No fewer than seven persons have been killed following an attack by suspected armed herders on Channel One community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The affected settlement, located in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward, lies along the Arufu–Wukari road axis linking neighbouring Taraba State.
The latest assault occurred less than 24 hours after three mourners were reportedly killed and two others abducted while returning from a burial in Ushongo Local Government Area.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Amos, told journalists via telephone that the attackers stormed the community around 11 p.m. on Sunday, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee.
Confirming the incident, a community leader, Joseph Anawah, said six persons were initially confirmed dead, listing them as Akor Gwakyaa, Msooter Gwakyaa, Aondoungwa Michael, Vershima Michael, Terna Michael and Msughter Terzungwe.
He added that several others sustained serious injuries and were receiving treatment in medical facilities in Anyiin, while about seven critically wounded victims had been moved to Ugba for further care.
According to him, the assailants, who reportedly arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, were heavily armed and are suspected to be operating from camps in nearby deserted settlements.
“The attackers invaded the community in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately before retreating. It is believed they are among those occupying camps in deserted villages within the area,” he said.
Anawah noted that the attack had triggered fresh displacement, with residents of the affected and neighbouring communities fleeing to safer locations.
He called on both the state and Federal Government to intensify coordinated security operations to dislodge suspected criminal elements from identified hideouts in the area.
The Chairman of Logo Local Government Area, Clement Kav, who also confirmed the attack, said seven persons were killed, while four others sustained injuries.
“They attacked the community, killed seven people and injured four others before fleeing,” he said, adding that relevant security authorities had been notified.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it had yet to receive a detailed report of the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she would provide updates once briefed on the development.
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