Police: Gunmen kill 17 residents in attacks on two Benue communities

The police command in Benue says suspected armed militia attacked two communities in Logo and Ukum LGAs of the state, killing 17 residents.

The attacks come days after at least 15 persons were reportedly killed on Tuesday night when gunmen invaded Otobi-Akpa and Emichi communities in Otukpo LGA and Utonkon in Ado LGA in the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, Sewuese Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, said many residents of the LGAs were injured.

Anene said five people were killed in Ukum and 12 in Logo LGAs, adding that those who were injured have been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

“On 17/4/2025 at about 21:00hrs, information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded Sankera axis of Benue state with the intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum local government Area,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of this report, the commissioner of police, Benue state police command, CP Steve Yabanet, ordered tactical teams to move to the area and join forces with police officers on the ground and other security agencies to forestall the attack.”

She added that a team of officers moved to the area and repelled the attackers in the early hours of Friday.

“Five persons were recovered at Gbagir area and taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead,” Anene said.

“Unfortunately, an unsuspected simultaneous attack was carried out in Logo where 12 persons were killed before the arrival of the police, making a total of 17 persons.”

She said security agencies within the Sankera axis engaged the bandits as they retreated to the forest around the Taraba axis.

Anene warned social media users circulating unconfirmed reports, urging them to desist from such actions, which she noted are capable of creating unnecessary tension in the state.

She said the command, under the leadership of Steve Yabanet, is committed to fighting the attackers.