By Emmanuel Kwada
Residents of several villages in the Katsina-Ala and Logo local government areas of Benue State are fleeing their homes following a brutal attack by armed gunmen that left at least 30 people dead and many more injured. The attacks, which began over the weekend, targeted communities that have previously suffered violence from local militias.
According to sources from the affected areas, at least 10 bodies were recovered from various villages in Katsina-Ala, while the Logo area reported 20 fatalities. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the assaults occurred on Sunday and in the early hours of Monday, igniting fear among villagers.
I am currently in the bush with other villagers
One villager, who identified himself only as David, stated, “I am currently in the bush with other villagers. They have killed many people in my Mbatuyla council ward of Katsina-Ala LGA. In my specific village, three people were killed. Villagers have deserted their homes and some are moving to the city for safety.”
Another resident, Francis, echoed the sentiment, saying “Everyone is running for safety in the affected areas. I can confirm that massive killings are occurring in some villages of Katsina-Ala LGA right now.”
The attackers are killing innocent people at will, destroying property, and inflicting grievous injuries
A local cleric, speaking on the condition of anonymity, highlighted the terror felt by residents: “The attackers are killing innocent people at will, destroying property, and inflicting grievous injuries. We couldn’t sleep yesterday; many are in hospitals and others are fleeing. The threat is overwhelming.”
The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed the scale of the violence, stating, “Another attack was reported this morning at about 2 am, where heavily armed men stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement.” He noted that many valuable properties were destroyed and casualties could rise
