By Andrew Haruna
In another grim chapter of Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, suspected Fulani herdsmen launched deadly attacks on rural communities in Benue State, killing at least 17 people and injuring several others.
The tragic incidents occurred on Wednesday night in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas—regions already known for persistent farmer-herder clashes.
According to an official statement by SP Sewuese Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, five people were killed in Gbagir, Ukum LGA, while a coordinated assault in Logo claimed an additional twelve lives. Several others sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving emergency medical treatment in local health facilities.
“On April 17, 2025, at about 9:00 PM, intelligence reports indicated that armed militia suspected to be Fulani herdsmen had invaded the Sankera axis of Benue State, targeting communities around Gbagir in Ukum Local Government,” Anene said.
Responding swiftly to the intelligence, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, deployed tactical units and mobilized joint operations with other state security forces to repel the assailants. Despite intervention efforts, the attackers fired indiscriminately at local farmers, causing widespread casualties.
“Five victims were recovered from the Gbagir area and taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead,” she added. “A parallel attack in Logo LGA led to the death of 12 more civilians before security reinforcements could arrive.”
The Nigerian Police Force confirmed that security forces are still engaging the armed assailants, believed to be retreating into the dense forests bordering Taraba State. The Joint Task Force, in collaboration with the Benue State Vigilante Group, is continuing its counter-insurgency operations in the region.
SP Anene also appealed to the public and social media users to refrain from spreading false or unverified information, warning that such actions could exacerbate public panic and undermine national security efforts.
She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to rural security, urging residents of the Sankera geopolitical zone to cooperate fully with ongoing military and police operations.