Between fear, official denials: What really happened in Benue’s latest attacks

A fresh wave of violence across communities in Benue State’s Sankera axis has once again exposed the fragile security situation in one of Nigeria’s most volatile regions, with residents alleging coordinated attacks by armed groups even as local authorities dispute the extent of the incidents.

Over the past three days, communities in Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas have reportedly come under repeated assaults, leaving at least one person dead and several others injured, according to community sources.

However, officials in Katsina-Ala insist that one of the reported incidents was merely a robbery and not evidence of a broader security breakdown, highlighting the often conflicting narratives that accompany violent episodes in the state.

Communities Describe Coordinated Attacks

Community leader James Andoaver, who spoke on behalf of affected residents over the weekend, alleged that armed herders working alongside local bandits carried out simultaneous attacks on several settlements across the Sankera axis.

According to him, the violence affected communities including Tse-Abali (Abari Shor) in Mbakesa, Ugbaam Council Ward of Ukum LGA, and Tongov, located along the Anyagba corridor leading to Achough and Kaseve in Tiir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA.

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Residents said the attackers appeared to have carefully selected vulnerable communities, striking under the cover of darkness before disappearing into surrounding forests.

Midnight Raid Leaves One Dead

One of the deadliest incidents reportedly occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday, when armed men allegedly stormed Tse-Abali Shor.

According to Andoaver, the attackers killed Utsenda Aber during the raid.

His wife was said to have suffered severe machete injuries while trying to escape the assault and is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.

Another community, Tse-Erukaa in Mbagar, Uyam Council Ward, was also reportedly attacked. Although no fatalities were recorded there, residents said the incident further heightened fears among villagers already living under constant threat.

Pattern of Violence Raises Concern

Community leaders believe the latest attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern of insecurity spreading across the Sankera axis.

Andoaver claimed the violence followed earlier attacks, including an assault on security personnel stationed at Alabar in Kundav Council Ward.

He also narrated the ordeal of a farmer popularly known as “Yellow,” who was reportedly ambushed while travelling to his farm along Ayati Road near the Atuluku-Ityoakoso axis.

According to his account, four armed men—three believed to be herders and one alleged local accomplice—attacked the farmer before fleeing the scene.

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Later the same day, another resident identified as Amokaha Koonoon was allegedly attacked with machetes after armed men reportedly moved through Tse-Anyier in Mbakorgba to Tse-Iam in Mbamena, Uyam Council Ward.

Koonoon survived the assault and is receiving medical treatment.

Roads Becoming High-Risk Corridors

Beyond attacks on villages, residents say major roads in the Sankera axis are increasingly becoming dangerous, particularly during evenings and market days.

Community sources identified several routes where travellers now exercise extreme caution, including:

Zaki-Biam–Sankera–Chito Road; Kyad–Tse-Burya Road; Kyado–Atsaam–Azabiam Road; Kyado–Atogbenda/Lafinkada Road; Zaki-Biam–Bossua Road

According to Andoaver, armed groups have become increasingly active in Kundav, Uyam, Ugbaam, Borikyo, Kendev, Aterayange, and Mbayenge council wards, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents.

“Reports from communities across Ukum and Katsina-Ala indicated a renewed wave of violent attacks. Residents are living in fear as armed groups continue to strike communities and major roads in the Sankera axis,” he said.

He appealed to security agencies to intensify patrols, urging residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary night travel, and promptly report suspicious movements.

Official Pushback

Despite the alarming reports from community leaders, authorities in Katsina-Ala have challenged parts of the narrative.

Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Justin Shaaku, dismissed reports suggesting that his council had experienced a major security breach.

According to him, the incident reported within Katsina-Ala was a robbery targeting people returning from a local market rather than an organized terrorist or militia attack.