By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
No fewer than 11 persons have been reportedly killed and several others wounded at Dikpo, Kpav and Imande Gberihwa communities of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State by marauding herdsmen.
The chairman of the Local Government Council, Justine Shaku, who confirmed the killings on phone on Sunday, said seven persons were seriously injured and properties worth millions of naira destroyed in the attacks which he said were unprovoked.
Shaku, who explained that the killings have been going on over time, said the recent one took place on Saturday, March 08, 2025, between 07:30 pm and 09:0 pm.
“The killings took place yesterday (Saturday) between 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. About 11 people were killed, 7 others sustained various degrees of injuries and they are receiving treatment in some hospitals which I can’t disclose to you for now.
“I’m here with the House of Representatives Member representing this axis, Hon Solomon Wombo. We are here with the locals, trying to settle bills, make arrangements for caskets for burial.
“We are still here, making necessary arrangements at 1 o’clock. The attack took place in Mbagena kindred, Michile Council Ward in Katsina-Ala LGA. The member representing Katsina-ala/Logo/ Ukum federal constituency is on ground with the people,” the chairman stressed.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, while condemning the cruel and barbaric manner the people were killed, urged the residents of the affected communities to unite and be banded against brutality and insecurity.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Kula Tetsoo and made available to newsmen on Sunday, said that the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes are a painful reminder of the challenges that confronts his administration in the journey for peace and security in the state.
“This measure of cruelty is extremely offensive and will not be countenanced,” the governor was quoted to have said..
While he vowed to bring those responsible to justice, the governor said that his government has responded to the atrocity by marshalling security forces to the affected communities.
Governor Alia further stated that steps were being taken to track the aggressors and forestall further atrocities.
“We are striving intently with local law enforcement and community leaders to ensure that our villages can reside in peace without fear of terrorism.
“To the people of Benue State, we want to encourage you that your security is our top priority. We recognize the anxiety and fear that such incidents can produce, but we are committed to strengthening peace and security in our communities.
“Collectively, we will rise above this challenge and strengthen our willpower to protect our homes and loved ones.
“We appeal to everybody to remain wary and report any doubtful activity to the authorities. It is only through our concerted efforts that we can achieve longstanding peace,” the governor said.
He condoled the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed.
Reacting to the killings, the President General of Tiv umbrella organisation, Mdzough u Tiv, CP Iorbee Ihagh, (rtd), in a statement signed by his media aide, Nicholas Ishom, applauded the governor for the steps being taken to restore peace in the area.
He appealed for the deployment of more security forces to the affected communities to prevent further occurrence.
