August 9, 2024
Not fewer than 30 persons have been confirmed dead in a late night attack by suspected local bandits supported by armed herdsmen, on Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
The marauders stormed the community Thursday night at about 11:30pm when the people had go to bed and killed most of the victims in their homes while some of those that managed to escape were chased into the bush and murdered.
According to a source, the local bandits belonging to the Ayongu-led gang teamed up with armed herdsmen in the attack that lasted about an hour.
A former governorship aspirant from the area, Mr. Shima Ayati, who confirmed the development, said; “We were told that some bandits received money from herdsmen and showed them land belonging to the people in two Council Wards for grazing.
“And as they commenced grazing crisis ensued between the herdsmen and the farmers who cried out to the government.
And the government dispatched the state security outfit who came and chased the herdsmen away and burnt their tents which got them angry.
“They claimed that the bandits sold the land to them and they went and met the bandits. So the herdsmen and bandits went to the village and carried out a massacre.
“As of this morning over 30 corpses were gathered and they are still searching.
“After burning and scattering the tents of the herdsmen the security outfit left; instead of sleeping there to guard the village.”
Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said “I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for briefing from officers on ground.”
