A recent bandit attack in Benue has resulted in numerous casualties, with scores reported dead. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.

Ayati village is a farming community situated in the dangerous Sankera region of Benue state, among several others.

Bandits, who raided Ayati village in the evening of August 8th, 2024 have reportedly killed thirty individuals. The unfortunate incident occurred within Ukum Local Government area of Benue state and affected mainly farmers residing in the community.

Shima Ayati, an eyewitness who spoke with Channels Television over the phone, revealed that although only thirty corpses have been found so far, there are likely more casualties. This is due to the fact that over sixty bandits reportedly raided Ayati village and indiscriminately shot at anything in their path.

On Thursday evening, a group arrived on motorcycles from Sai road and immediately started shooting at the residents of Ayati village. The attack resulted in the deaths of over thirty individuals with several others still missing. So far, only thirty bodies have been recovered.

According to Ayati, the bandits were relentlessly pursuing and shooting people from one residence to another. Their violent attacks resulted in numerous fatalities both at the scene of the crime and during transportation to Zaki Baim hospital. Survivors reported sustaining various injuries as a result of these brutal assaults.

After killing and burning houses, the bands fled from the community through Sai road in order to escape. However, it is suspected that additional bodies may be located within the bush given that numerous individuals remain unaccounted for.

Ayati village is among the several agricultural societies situated in the notorious Sankera axis of Benue state, encompassing Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum local authorities.

Ayati village has been attacked twice in a month, with the first attack claiming six lives and sparking violent protests in Zaki Biam last month.

While speaking to journalists on Benue state’s official WhatsApp platform for the press, Superintendent of Police Sewuese Aneene – who serves as the Police Public Relations Officer – acknowledged that an attack had taken place. However, due to a shortage of information from the police response team at the scene of attack she was unable to provide any details about casualties.

“I know that there has been an attack, and I am anticipating a briefing from the officers present on-site.”

The Benue food and agro-allied hub has suffered severe damage due to the rampant killings by bandits and local militia, resulting in a significant increase in the nation’s already high food inflation rate of over 40%, as reported by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.

The incident has caused Governor Hyacinth Alia to feel great sorrow.

Governor Alia has voiced his dismay over the attack, as stated by his chief press secretary Tersoo Kula. The governor expressed concern that despite a robust security presence in the state, such atrocious actions are still taking place.

According to the statement, he firmly resolves to persist in using legal methods for safeguarding the Benue people, especially Ukum which has endured recent attacks.

Governor Alia urged security personnel to enhance their monitoring and guarantee that disadvantaged communities are not neglected, even as the government anticipates the Judicial Commission of Inquiry’s conclusions.

The leader of Benue offered solace to the families affected by the attack, expressing his heartfelt compassion and offering prayers for both them and all inhabitants of Ukum Local Government.