Benue Herdsmen Attacks Leave 17 Dead as Armed Fulani Invade Ukum, Logo LGAs
By MOHAMMED DANBABA
Coordinated Assault Sparks Fears of Land Takeover in Benue State’s Food Basket
In a fresh wave of violence, Benue herdsmen attacks have claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, including an entire family of eight, in coordinated strikes on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
The Benue herdsmen attacks, which occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, have left dozens injured and several missing. Local residents are now living in fear, with many fleeing their homes in anticipation of further violence.
According to eyewitness reports, heavily armed herdsmen stormed the Tyuluv, Saror, and Mbawar communities, opening fire indiscriminately. Victims included women and children who were unable to escape the onslaught. The assailants, reportedly carrying AK-47 rifles, entered the area with thousands of cattle, signaling what many believe to be a planned invasion and land occupation.
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“They came with their cows and rifles. We knew they meant harm, but there was no one to stop them. They shot everyone in sight,” a survivor from Tyuluv recounted tearfully.
Residents Flee as Fear Grips Communities
The escalating Benue herdsmen attacks have triggered panic across the Sankera axis, a region widely regarded as the agricultural heartland of Benue State. Locals are expressing fears that the attacks are part of a broader attempt to drive farmers away and take over the fertile lands.
“People are now abandoning their farms and fleeing to neighboring towns. It’s a crisis. These Benue herdsmen attacks are not just about killings—they are a systematic displacement of our people,” said a youth leader in Ukum LGA.
With farming season approaching, the ongoing conflict poses a serious threat to food production and security, not just for Benue but the entire region.
Police Confirm 17 Deaths, Launch Counter-Offensive
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the killings in a statement released by its Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Catherine Anene. The statement said tactical teams had been deployed to repel the attackers and recover affected areas.
“On April 17, 2025, at about 9 p.m., we received information of a militia invasion around Gbagir in Ukum LGA. Our tactical teams engaged the attackers, but unfortunately, 17 lives were lost in simultaneous assaults across Ukum and Logo LGAs,” CSP Anene stated.
The command added that five bodies were recovered in Gbagir and confirmed dead at a local hospital. Twelve additional bodies were found in Logo LGA. Police say they are still engaging the fleeing attackers, who are believed to be retreating into the forests near the Taraba State border.
Calls for Government Action Grow Louder
The latest Benue herdsmen attacks have drawn widespread condemnation, with civil society organizations and traditional leaders calling for urgent intervention by the federal government.
“This is an organized assault on our people. The federal government must not only condemn these killings but take concrete steps to halt them and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Chief Terlumun Atsar, a community elder in Logo LGA.
Human rights groups have also accused the government of negligence, arguing that repeated warnings about Benue herdsmen attacks mobilizing in the area were ignored.
Benue Herdsmen Attacks : Police Warn Against Misinformation
Amid the heightened tension, the Benue State Police Command has cautioned against the spread of unverified reports and inflammatory statements on social media. According to Commissioner of Police Steve Yabanet, misinformation could further incite panic and derail ongoing operations.
He assured residents that the Police Force remains committed to protecting lives and restoring peace in the region. “We urge citizens to cooperate with security agents and report any suspicious activities as the operation continues,” he said.
Conclusion: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding
The Benue herdsmen attacks have deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region. Thousands have been displaced, and many are currently seeking refuge in overcrowded IDP camps or with relatives in safer communities. With the planting season underway, the implications of these attacks for food security and economic stability are dire.
Stakeholders are now urging both state and federal authorities to take decisive action to prevent further bloodshed and displacement. Without urgent intervention, the people of Benue State may continue to suffer at the hands of armed groups bent on territorial conquest.
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