Armed herders launch fresh attack on Benue community, kill 10, injure several others.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

No fewer than 10 people were killed and several others injured on  Wednesday, July 1, 2026, when terrorists masquerading as armed herders launched an unprovoked attack on  Saai community in Mbajir ward of the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Our correspondent gathered from the locals that the assailants invaded the community in the early hours of today (Wednesday), opening fire on residents in a coordinated manner, resulting in the death of ten persons and unspecified numbers of injured ones.

One of the locals told journalists on phone on condition of anonymity, that so far, 10 dead bodies have been recovered after the attackers left the scene and members of the community went in search of their loved ones.

This latest attack and killing is coming barely five days after unknown gunmen attacked and killed the Benue State chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Risku Muhammad and one Yakubu Isah Okuku in Otukpo local government area of the State.

The killing of the MACBAN State chairman had triggered tension in some communities in the state particularly Benue South Senatorial Districts

However, the executive chairman of Katsina-Ala local government council, Mr. Justine Shaku, confirmed the Sai attack but said he is yet to ascertain the number of casualties.

He described the incident as an expected tragedy that occurred when relative peace was currently being enjoyed in the Katsina-Ala axis.

Mr. Shaku who spoke with journalists on phone in Makurdi on Wednesday, stated he had gone to the affected community with security operatives to assess the situation and promised to get to the media for further updates.

“I just arrived at the Saai Community to ascertain and assess the incident. The  tension is high and I will  call you  people back later, thanks.

Efforts to get reaction from the Benue State command police public relations officer PPRO DSP Udeme Edet could not be possible, as she could not respond to text messages or calls. 

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the assault, calling it an ugly, cowardly, and senseless act of violence against innocent citizens. Security Intervention.

 The Governor therefore, ordered security agencies to immediately deploy to the area, hunt down the perpetrators, and restore normalcy to the affected communities.

Alia, who spoke through his chief press secretary Kula Tersoo, in a statement on Wednesday, lamented that those enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of the state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high”.

He extends his deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragedy, adding that, “my heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention” 

“We pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Saai community during this period of immense grief.

“I urge the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting your lives and your livelihoods. 

We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve””, Alia stated.