Over 30 people were reportedly k!lled in a joint attack on Ayati village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was gathered that local bandits and suspected armed herders attacked the village on Thursday night, August 8, 2024.
This is coming following a few weeks after a violent protest that led to the destruction of personal and government properties in the council as a result of the k!lling of 11 people in the same community.
A resident of the community who did not want his name confirmed the killing to Punch on Friday that bandits.
Corroborating this, a community leader in the council and one-time governorship aspirant in the state, Shima Ayati confirmed the attack and said that over 30 corpses have been recovered from the village.
“What I heard is that some bandits received money from some herders to graze their animals in two council wards,” he said.
“As they were grazing, they came in conflict with farmers who ran to government. The government sent security who went and pursued the herders away. During the process, they burnt their (herders) makeshift tents.
“They (herders) became angry as they claimed to have given money for the land, so they went back to the bandits. The herders joined hands with the bandits to attack the village and massacre people.
“We have already gathered over 30 corpses. They are still searching.”
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get details of the attack.
“I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for briefing from officers on ground,” she added.
