Bandits Kill Several in Benue State Community Attack

On July 1, 2023, a violent attack by bandits in the Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, resulted in the deaths of several residents. Reports indicate that the assailants invaded the community around 2 AM, moving from house to house and shooting sporadically, which forced many residents to flee into the bush for safety.

Youths in the area recovered ten bodies, while others were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment of injuries sustained during the attack. The Benue State Police Command had not responded to inquiries regarding the incident at the time of the report.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly and senseless assault on innocent citizens, particularly at a time when farmers were returning to their ancestral lands to cultivate crops. He called for the deployment of additional security personnel to the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of agricultural activities.