Gunmen identified as bandits raid Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, killing scores of residents, according to reports from multiple outlets. The attack happens in the early hours, with one account placing the assault at about 2 a.m., during which assailants move from house to house and shoot indiscriminately. Survivors flee into nearby bush areas. By daybreak, local youths recover at least 10 bodies in one report, while other reporting describes the death toll as “scores.” Several injured residents are taken to hospitals in Katsina-Ala.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemns the attack and expresses condolences to affected families. In a statement attributed to the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia directs security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions. He also calls for a manhunt for the perpetrators and emphasizes the need to protect residents, including farmers, during the planting season.
One source notes that the Benue Police Command has yet to issue an official statement at the time of reporting.
