At least 15 people have been killed and more than 10 others injured following a deadly attack by suspected armed assailants on Sai Community in the Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday when the gunmen reportedly stormed the farming community, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

Local sources said the attackers moved from house to house during the assault. Initial rescue efforts recovered 10 bodies, but the death toll later rose to at least 15 as community members accounted for missing residents. Several victims, including women and children, sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.

The attack has sparked outrage among residents, with the Mbajir Development Association (MDA) describing the incident as a “heinous, barbaric and gruesome” assault on the community. In a statement signed by its President, Agee Sai, and General Secretary, Tindiga Aondover, the association condemned the continued killings and called for urgent government intervention to end the recurring violence in the area.

Some residents believe the attack may have been carried out in retaliation for the recent killing of Ardo Risku, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), raising fears of escalating communal tensions in the region.

Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack, describing it as a cowardly act aimed at disrupting peace and undermining the state’s agricultural activities.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attack came at a critical period when farmers had returned to their ancestral lands to cultivate crops.

“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly at a time when our hardworking farmers are cultivating their farms. These enemies of progress seek to undermine the peace and food security of our state,” the governor said.

Governor Alia directed security agencies to immediately deploy additional tactical personnel to Sai Community and surrounding areas, intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible, and strengthen security around farming communities to protect lives and agricultural activities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the attack or confirm the casualty figures. No arrests have been announced.

Katsina-Ala has remained one of Benue State’s major security flashpoints, with repeated attacks linked to armed criminal groups and longstanding communal conflicts. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to restore calm and prevent further violence.