17 Killed in Militia Attacks on Sankera Axis of Benue – Police
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of 17 people following coordinated attacks by suspected militia groups in the Sankera axis of the state.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, the casualties were recorded in Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area, and the neighbouring Logo Local Government Area.
Anene revealed that the police received intelligence on the movement of a large number of suspected militia planning to attack communities in the Sankera region. In response, tactical teams were immediately deployed to Gbagir to confront the assailants.
“While engaging the attackers in Gbagir, the militia opened fire on unsuspecting farmers. Five victims were recovered from the scene and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead,” the statement said.
Simultaneously, another group of militia launched an attack in Logo LGA, killing 12 people before security forces could intervene, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 17.
The police also addressed widespread speculation on social media, where unverified claims suggest that up to 100 people were killed by suspected herdsmen. The command urged the public to refrain from spreading unconfirmed and inflammatory reports that could escalate tensions.
The statement further noted that security forces are still engaging the retreating militia as they flee towards the Taraba border forests.
Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to restoring peace in the area. He urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with law enforcement as efforts to apprehend the attackers continue.
The latest police statement confirming 17 deaths in the Sankera axis comes just two days after a fresh wave of violent attacks by suspected herdsmen targeted several communities in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The renewed violence affected the communities of Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju in Otukpo, where five people had previously been killed in February. The latest assault occurred barely 24 hours after 11 people were reportedly killed in an attack on Otobi community, also in Otukpo LGA.
Local sources suggest that Wednesday’s coordinated strikes may have claimed additional lives, though the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
The attacks occurred just hours after Governor Hyacinth Alia announced the arrest of three suspected herders in connection with the invasion of Otobi on Tuesday night.
Governor Alia Condemns Renewed Violence
Speaking to journalists after the Good Friday Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi, Governor Alia strongly condemned the continued attacks and warned communities against taking the law into their own hands.
He emphasized the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser to develop a comprehensive strategy to end the violence and restore peace in rural areas.
Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts in combating insecurity across the state.
