Fresh Benue Attack Kills Residents In Sai Community, Sources Differ On Toll

A fresh attack on Sai community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State, has left residents dead and several others injured.

The attack happened in the early hours of Wednesday, and Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed security agencies to reinforce the affected area.

Casualty figures differ across the reports. Vanguard reported that no fewer than 10 persons were killed and more than 15 others injured. Punch reported that community youths recovered 10 bodies after the attack. Premium Times reported that suspected armed herders killed 15 and injured many other residents of Saai.

Because the figures differ, NaijaTrend is not presenting one final toll. The common verified point is that the attack caused multiple deaths and injuries in the Katsina-Ala community.

Vanguard reported that residents said the attackers invaded the community at about 1 a.m., while Punch cited a resident who said the attack happened around 2 a.m. Both accounts said the assailants shot at residents and forced people to flee.

Premium Times reported that residents linked the latest attack to the recent killing of the Benue State chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Risku. The report also noted that security agencies had not established any connection.

Governor Alia’s statement described the attack as an assault on innocent citizens and directed security agencies to deploy additional personnel, launch a manhunt for the attackers and protect farmers in the affected area.

Vanguard and Punch reported that the Benue State Police Command had not responded at the time of filing.

Sources: Vanguard, Punch, Premium Times