Crime

Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue Community, See The Number of People Killed

Published by Tope Fakinlede on October 12th, 2024.

Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue Community, See The Number of People Killed

Bandits

The Ayilamo settlement in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State is reeling from a devastating attack by suspected herdsmen, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals and significant destruction of property and crops.

Located along the Bank of River Benue and the Abinsi-Tyulen-Anyiin-Wukari trunk A federal road, Ayilamo is primarily an agricultural community known for its rice, yam, and soybean production, particularly in Tombo ward.

On October 9, 2024, between 9 PM and 3 AM, armed herdsmen reportedly invaded the area, opening fire on residents who were asleep. Local security forces and youth attempted to repel the attackers, leading to a fierce gun battle. Tragically, three people were killed, over ten homes were set on fire, and many others sustained injuries.

Clement Kav, the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Logo Government Council, quickly visited the site of the attack, condemning the violence. He ordered the immediate deployment of troops and mobile police units to prevent further assaults on the community. The house of the local chief, Mue Ter Ipusu, Chief Dr. Enoch Ikyumen, was also destroyed in the assault.

Kav later visited the Ayilamo Primary Health Care center, where injured residents were receiving treatment, and he directed the transfer of the most seriously wounded individuals to the Benue State Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. Among those treated for gunshot wounds at the Ayilamo PHC were Yinanga Mbatsavende, Ahua Timothy, and others.

Calm has since returned to the area following the increased security presence. However, local residents voiced concerns about the attackers, claiming the herdsmen disguise their violent actions as grazing activities. They described the assailants as heavily armed, moving systematically from house to house to set them ablaze.

One resident, Mr. Unande, lamented the extensive damage to crops, stating, “If the state and federal governments don’t protect us, hunger alone will kill us.” The Logo Police Division has confirmed the incident and is investigating further.