At least 16 people have been murdered in the Katsina Ala and Makurdi local government areas of Benue state.
Six people were killed in Abagena and Asom communities of Makurdi, Benue state yesterday while 10 security operatives were murdered in Katsina Ala. The attacks took place between 4:30 and 5:30 in the morning.
The Abagena Mega IDPs camp, which has been the target of persistent attacks by herders, is home to the Abagena and Asom populations.
Massive demonstrations by residents of the two communities were triggered by the tragedy.
The demonstrators, who numbered well over 200, disposed of the bodies of those killed by the alleged herders on the highway connecting Makurdi Benue, Lafia, and Abuja.
It was gathered that the protesters took over the busy highway between Makurdi and Daudu at about 8am.
Many commuters were left trapped on both sides of the four-lane highway as a result of the event, which caused traffic congestion.
Speaking to news correspondents, protesters declared that they would not leave the road until state and federal officials took action to address the predicament plaguing Benue state.
Speaking to our journalist over the phone, Targema Unande, a community leader in Abagena, stated: “The gunmen stormed the two communities at about 4 am and shot into the air sporadically.”
Targema Unande, a community leader in Abagena, who spoke with our correspondent on phone, said: “The gunmen stormed the two communities at about 4 am and shot into the air sporadically.
He said the attack was not the first of its kind on the communities. “It has become a permanent feature. We appeal to security agencies to protect peasant farmers,” he said.
When reached, Edet Edet, a DSP and police spokesman, stated that she has not received any information about the event as of yet.
Speaking on the murders in Katsina Ala Local Government Area, Chairman Hon. Justine Shaku stated that the herdsmen killed about ten security personnel.
In a Facebook post, Hon. Shaku revealed the information.
“Those killed were selected from the Border Joint Military Clearance,” he said.
The Facebook post, which he personally signed, stated: “Yesterday, 19th September, 2025, a joint military clearance operation was carried out around the Agu Centre general area in Mbatula/Mberev Council Ward, Katsina-Ala LGA, close to Peva and Chanchangi settlements in Taraba State.
“According to reports, many officers who participated in the operation are still missing, including the well-known Danzuru, who was allegedly captured alive by armed bandits.
“The operation was jointly resisted by local armed militias, Fulani marauders, and some hired military personnel allegedly brought in from Taraba State.
During the confrontation, three of these hired fighters were reportedly killed by the joint border troops.
“Several militia leaders from the Shitile clan—among them Konyo, Anyogo, Officer Mathew Zegebra, Gulenen Ashaver, and Fullfire—were identified as participants in the attack against conventional security forces.
“Casualty reports indicate that more than ten security personnel lost their lives. So far, only two bodies have been recovered. In addition, two Hilux vehicles were burnt, and several motorcycles were carted away by the attackers.
“Reinforcements have since been deployed to the area to recover the remaining bodies still within the bushes.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, is currently on the ground with us, and we await further updates on the situation.”
This follows only twenty four hours after a primary school in Ukum area of the state, leaving seven pupils badly injured.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
