More than 100 individuals have been reportedly murdered in Ayati, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State by local bandits and terrorist herdsmen. A community member confirmed that 50 corpses have been recovered so far.
According to our correspondent, the attack was carried out by local bandits with assistance from herdsmen militia. A resident of Ukum LGA, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, disclosed that the incident occurred on Thursday night.
The trouble began when bandits allegedly received money from herders to graze their animals in two council wards of Ukum. The conflict escalated when farmers, angered by the grazing, reported the issue to the government. Security agencies intervened, chasing the herders away and burning their tents. The herders, claiming they had paid for the land, retaliated by collaborating with the bandits to attack the village.
The anonymous resident explained, “We were told that some bandits received money from Fulani people, saying they sold land to them for grazing. As they commenced grazing, they also killed people, leading to a conflict with farmers who sought government help. Security forces chased the herders away and burnt their tents, angering them further. The herdsmen and bandits then attacked the village, resulting in a massacre. Over 50 corpses have been recovered, and more are being searched for. After burning their tents, the security forces withdrew, leaving the villagers unprotected.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack, stating, “I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for a briefing from officers on the ground.”
The Commissioner of Information, Hon Mathew Aboh, who hails from Ukum LGA, also confirmed the attack, noting that 30 corpses had been recovered as of early Friday morning.
