More than 15 Killed in Suspected Armed Herdsmen Attack in Benue State

• A violent attack by suspected armed herdsmen left more than 15 dead in Anyiin, Benue State, as dozens of attackers stormed the town
• The brutal attack left scores injured and others missing, drawing renewed attention to rising violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
• Eyewitnesses described the terror, armed invaders arriving in the town and besieging homes and families in the community for nearly three hours.

There has been a fresh wave of violence in Anyiin in Logo Local Government Area (LGA). Benue State on Wednesday, when suspected armed herdsmen launched an attack that left more than 15 people dead, scores injured and scores missing.

The incident, which occurred at around 18.32, once again shed light on the increasing violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

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Witnesses report that 20 gunmen raided the town and terrorized the residents in an attack that lasted nearly three hours.

15 people lost their lives in the Shepherd attack

The attackers targeted houses, leaving a trail of destruction in the community, which is also the home of the former governor of Benue State. Gabriel Suswam.

Community leader Joseph Anawah, who shared details of the attack on Thursday, described Anyiin’s harrowing ordeal.

He said:

“Fulani militia terrorists launched terror in Logo LGA, Anyiin town of Benue State, in an operation that started yesterday, Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at about 6.32 pm, leaving more than 15 persons dead and some injured to various degrees, while others are missing.”

Among those confirmed dead are retired Primary School Principal Orihundu Ati and several young men closely linked to prominent local families, including Zaki Mbatern, son of Mbawuave Kindred Chairman, and Mr Uyange Chembe. Zaki John Chembe, the late District Chairman of Ukemberagya.

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spokesperson Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene confirmed that she was yet to receive an official report into the incident as of the date of this report.

However, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and External Affairs, Col. Alex Igbaya (retired), confirmed that military personnel have already been deployed to maintain order in the affected area.

Attack on herdsmen in Nigeria

Shepherds are attacking Nigeria It has become a growing security concern, especially in the Middle Belt and northern regions of the country.

This violence often involves armed groups associated with nomadic herders clashing with local farming communities over resources such as land and water.

Drought, desertification, and population growth have intensified competition for these resources, leading to increased tensions and, in many cases, deadly violence.

The conflict has displaced thousands of people, strained community relations, and placed immense pressure on state and federal authorities to increase security and address underlying socioeconomic and environmental factors.

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Suspected herdsmen killed 9 people

Meanwhile, legit.ng had previously reported suspicion shepherds reportedly killed On Sunday night, June 13, at least 12 people in Kushe community and Kuru District of Jos South local government area. plateau situation.

The murder took place around 9.30pm when suspected herdsmen stormed the community and opened fire sporadically.

Source: Legit.ng