Again, Over 30 Killed in Fulani Herdsmen Attack in Benue Community
On Thursday night, a violent attack in Ayati village, located in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, resulted in the death of over 30 people.
According to sources who spoke with journalists on Friday, the assailants were a combination of local bandits and suspected armed herdsmen who unleashed terror on the community.
Ayati village has increasingly become a site of tragic violence in Ukum LGA. Just a few weeks ago, a violent protest erupted in the area, leading to the destruction of both private and government properties, following the killing of 11 people in the Ayati community.
A local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that the attack was carried out by bandits affiliated with the Ayongou faction, in collaboration with Fulani herdsmen, who targeted and killed innocent villagers on Thursday night.
Confirming the incident, Shima Ayati, a community leader and former governorship aspirant in the state, stated that over 30 bodies have been recovered so far. In a telephone conversation on Friday, Ayati explained, “I was informed that some bandits received payments from herders to graze their cattle in two council wards. However, when they came into conflict with local farmers, the farmers reported the situation to the government. Security forces were deployed, and they chased the herders away, burning their makeshift tents in the process.”
Angered by the destruction of their tents, the herders reportedly sought the help of the bandits, leading to a joint attack on the village, resulting in a massacre of the residents.
“We have already recovered over 30 corpses, and the search for more victims is still ongoing,” Ayati added.
The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack but noted that she was still awaiting a detailed report from officers on the ground. “I’m aware there was an attack, and I’m waiting for a briefing from officers on the scene,” she said.
