Gunmen believed to be armed herders descended on Sai Community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday, killing several residents in a fresh wave of violence. The attackers stormed the area in large numbers and opened fire on villagers before setting multiple homes ablaze, according to security analyst Zagazola Makama.
Panic gripped the community as residents fled into nearby bushes to escape the onslaught. Scores of families abandoned their homes as the gunmen rampaged through the settlement.
Security forces responded quickly after receiving distress calls from the area. Troops and other personnel were deployed to repel the attackers and prevent the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities.
The assault left many people wounded, and medical teams evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals for treatment. Rescuers launched search operations to find missing residents and ensure no additional deaths occurred.
The attack destroyed numerous homes and other property, displacing many families. Residents lost valuable possessions as their houses went up in flames.
The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have since intensified patrols across Sai and the surrounding areas. The move aims to prevent fresh attacks and restore public confidence in the security situation.
Benue State has witnessed repeated assaults blamed on armed herders grazing cattle across the region. The Tuesday attack marks another incident in the ongoing cycle of violence affecting farming communities.
