A source in Logo LGA and community leader, Chief Joseph Anawa, stated that the attacks started Sunday morning when the invaders, in their hundreds, stormed Azege settlement and its environs in Tombo Council Ward.
He claimed that the marauders were probably recruited from outside the country given that they looked different from those that used to visit the area.
According to him, “the armed herdsmen stormed the community at about 7 a.m. They were numbering over 300 well-armed men suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria. Probably hired from neighbouring communities because their appearance was slightly different from the herdsmen we have around.
“The invasion was carried out in the morning hours, and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals. The security operatives on the ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying. It was not until the arrival of a military jet that they were able to subdue them and force them to retreat.
“As we speak, over 20 corpses were discovered while the search for more missing persons is on going.”
Meanwhile, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward of Shitile in Katsina-Ala LGA also came under attack by armed herdsmen as early as 8 am Monday.
The sources stated that “over 10 persons were killed in the attack, but security personnel and the military have repelled them.”
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, stated that the attacks started Monday morning and said, “The information is that many of them who were heavily armed stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, Shitile. From reports, they killed many. Benue State is under severe security threat by herder armed bandits, but the number is yet unknown. They also destroyed valuables and properties, looted a lot of household items, and left them uninterrupted. Benue State is under severe security threat by herder armed bandits.”
On his part, the Chairman of Logo LGA, Mr Clement Kev, who confirmed the attack in the area, claimed that “the herdsmen came from Nasarawa State and attacked my people.
“They attacked the Tombo council ward and killed 17 people and injured 37. The governor has already mobilised more security to the area, and peace has been restored.
“We have no case of missing persons for now. The herdsmen are claiming ownership of Tombo land.”
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack, noting that five bodies had been recovered from the Logo LGA attack.