Saturday, 19 April 2025 04:23

Gunmen kill 17 in fresh attacks on Benue communities

Rate this item
(0 votes)

Suspected armed militia launched deadly attacks on communities in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, killing at least 17 residents, the state police command has confirmed.

The violence comes just days after gunmen killed 15 people in separate assaults on Otobi-Akpa, Emichi (Otukpo LGA), and Utonkon (Ado LGA) earlier in the week.

In a statement on Friday, Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, said five people were killed in Ukum and 12 in Logo, with many others injured and hospitalized.

According to Anene, security forces received intelligence late Thursday that a large militia group was mobilizing to attack communities in the Sankera axis, particularly Gbagir in Ukum.

"Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, immediately deployed tactical teams to reinforce officers on the ground," she said.

The police, alongside other security agencies, engaged the attackers and repelled them in the early hours of Friday. However, five bodies were recovered in Gbagir and later confirmed dead at a hospital.

"Simultaneously, another attack was carried out in Logo, where 12 persons were killed before police arrival, bringing the total fatalities to 17," Anene added.

Security forces pursued the assailants as they retreated toward forests near the Taraba border.

Benue has witnessed a surge in violent attacks in recent months, with armed groups frequently targeting rural communities. Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators behind the latest killings.

June 21, 2025

SEC bans Independent Directors from CEO roles, caps Chair tenure at 4 years

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has prohibited independent non-executive directors (INEDs) from assuming executive…
June 14, 2025

Tinubu's pardon of 'Ogoni Nine' rejected by Ogoni people

Ogoni activists on Friday rejected a posthumous pardon for nine members executed three decades ago…
June 20, 2025

Warning signs a snake might be lurking around your home: Clues that could save lives

Few things make your heart race quite like spotting a snake slithering nearby. Whether you…
June 21, 2025

Man convicted of posing as flight attendant to fly for free 120 times

A 35-year-old American man has been found guilty of impersonating a flight attendant at least…
June 22, 2025

Female suicide bomber kills at least 24 at Borno food joint in deadly attack

A devastating suicide bombing carried out by a female assailant late Friday night has left…
June 22, 2025

Israel Vs Iran: Here’s what to know after Day 9

Iran must now 'make peace', says Trump after US strikes on nuclear sites Summary The…
June 20, 2025

Nigerian company to make HIV, malaria test kits locally

Nigerian manufacturer Codix Bio Ltd plans to make millions of HIV and Malaria test kits…
May 13, 2025

Nigeria's Flying Eagles qualify for World Cup after dramatic win over Senegal

Nigeria's U-20 national football team, the Flying Eagles, have secured their place at the 2025…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2025 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.