At least 11 people have been killed, and many more injured, after suspected armed herdsmen launched a brutal attack on Mbagena community in Mchihe Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers struck on Friday night, only to return in larger numbers on Saturday evening, setting homes ablaze and looting food barns in a wave of destruction.
“They came back around 7 p.m., shooting anyone in sight. They burned houses and destroyed stored farm produce,” a distraught resident recounted.
By Sunday morning, 11 bodies had been recovered, with several others still missing. The wounded have been rushed to hospitals in Katsina-Ala Town for treatment.
Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Mr. Justin Shaku, confirmed the attack, calling it an unprovoked massacre. “Between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, at least 11 people were killed, while seven others with serious injuries are receiving treatment in undisclosed hospitals,” he stated.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, condemned the attack, calling it an act of “cruelty that will not be tolerated.” He assured the public that security forces had been deployed to the area and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We are working closely with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure our people live without fear. Security remains our top priority,” the Governor affirmed.
The President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) Worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, also condemned the assault, urging authorities to send more security personnel to prevent further bloodshed.
As of press time, efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for an official statement were unsuccessful.
