Suspected herdsmen kill 30 in Benue community

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Thursday night killed at least 30 people in Ayati community, Ukum local government area, Benue State.

Residents told reporters that the herdsmen stormed the community at 11:30 p.m., fired sporadically, and chased the victims into the bush where they were killed.

The attack was linked to a land dispute between farmers and herders that escalated after security forces burned the herders’ tents and evicted them.

The state’s former gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Shima Ayati, confirmed the incident.

He said more than 30 bodies had been collected by Friday morning and search efforts were ongoing.

Ayati said, “We received information that there were some bandits who received money from herders and showed them land belonging to residents in two Council wards for grazing.

“And when they started grazing, there was a crisis between the herders and the farmers who shouted at the government.

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“And the government sent state security forces who came and chased the herders away and burned their tents which made them angry.

“They claimed that the bandits sold them the land and they went to meet the bandits. So the herders and the bandits went to the village and carried out a massacre.

“As of this morning more than 30 bodies have been collected and they are still searching.

“After burning and scattering the herders’ tents, the security forces left; instead of sleeping there, they guarded the village.”

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, also confirmed the attack.

However, he promised to provide further details after receiving a briefing from officers on the ground.

Alleged herdsmen kill 30 in Benue community first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.