Again, herdsmen kill 17 in Benue

Suspected herdsmen have killed 17 persons and injured many in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident via a statement issued on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Anene disclosed that five people were killed in Ukum and 12 in Logo LGA, adding that some people were injured and were receiving treatment.

Anene stated: “On Thursday, April 17, at about 9 p.m., information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded Sankera axis of Benue State with an intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area.

“Upon receipt of this report, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Police Command, CP. Steve Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.

Herdsmen kill many in fresh Benue attack

“Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them.

“Five persons were recovered at Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

“Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo, where 12 persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of 17 persons.

“However, Security agencies within the Sankera axis are still engaging the bandits as they retreat back to the forest around Taraba axis.”

Anene warned social media users who were reporting unconfirmed reports and inciting the general public to desist from such actions.

The police spokesperson said such actions were capable of creating unnecessary tension in Benue State.

She said the police command is committed to fighting the attackers just as she urged the people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police in the ongoing operation.

The Star