A community in Benue State has been targeted in a violent attack by armed individuals, resulting in the deaths of numerous people, according to an official statement.

Tersoo Kula, spokesperson for Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, confirmed the attack and expressed the governor’s condemnation of the “unprovoked attack.” The incident took place in Akpuuna village in Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement released on Sunday, the community was assaulted by armed hoodlums on Saturday, leading to the loss of many lives. Governor Alia received the news with shock and expressed his deep sadness at the brutal and unjustified killing of innocent residents.

The governor strongly condemned the heinous crime, considering it a grave sin against God and mankind. He called upon the security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and bring them to justice.

Governor Alia extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attack, praying that God would provide comfort in their time of grief. He urged the people of Sankera to remain calm and cooperate with the security agencies by providing any useful information to combat insecurity in the area.

The Attack

The Punch newspaper reported the attack, with residents stating that it occurred on Saturday morning. As of that time, they had recovered 24 bodies of victims after the attackers had fled.

The motive behind the attack remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility for it. However, Benue, along with neighboring Plateau State, has experienced numerous attacks by armed groups, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. Despite the heavy deployment of security operatives, including soldiers, in both states, these attacks persist. The change in government, with the former ruling parties losing to opposition parties in the March governorship elections, has not stemmed the violence.

(Punch)