Scores of residents were reportedly killed after gunmen attacked Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community at about 2 a.m., opening fire on homes and forcing people to flee into nearby bushes.
A resident, who requested anonymity, told journalists that several bodies had been recovered, while many injured victims were receiving treatment at a hospital in Katsina-Ala.
“Some armed herders invaded Sai Community around 2 a.m. They moved from house to house, shooting sporadically and forcing people to flee into the bush for safety.
“As we returned to the community at daybreak, youths had recovered 10 bodies of the victims, while several others had been taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment,” the source said.
The Benue State Police Command had not officially commented on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the attack, Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and directed security agencies to reinforce their presence in the affected area.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor ordered security operatives to “Deploy additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.
“Launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law.
“Ensure the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, guaranteeing that no further disruption to agricultural activities occurs.
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“The unfortunate incident, which occurred in the early hours of the first day of July, left scores dead, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. It was allegedly carried out by terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.”
Describing the incident as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens,” Alia added:
“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly coming at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers, who have returned to their ancestral lands, are cultivating their farms.
“These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”
The governor sympathised with families who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
He also reassured residents that his administration would continue working to protect communities across the state.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve,” the statement added.
Katsina-Ala remains one of the communities most affected by recurring violence in Benue State, with repeated attacks linked to armed herders and other criminal groups.
The latest assault adds to growing concerns over insecurity in farming communities across the state, where residents continue to call for stronger protection.