The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that 17 people were killed after suspected herders launched deadly attacks in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas. The violence, which started late Thursday and continued into Friday, left residents in shock and triggered heightened security responses.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Sewuese Anene, a group of armed men stormed the Sankera axis of Benue State on Thursday night and carried out attacks in multiple areas, including Gbagir in Ukum and Katsina-Ala in Logo LGA.
“On 17/4/2025 at about 2100hrs, information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded Sankera axis of Benue State with intention to attack communities around Gbagir, Ukum Local Government Area,” Anene said.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police, Steve H. Yabanet, immediately dispatched tactical units to assist officers already stationed in the area. They were also instructed to join forces with other security outfits to push back the attackers.
“Following this order, a team of officers moved to the area and engaged them. While the attackers were being repelled in the early hours of today, they shot sporadically at unsuspecting farmers as they came across them,” she explained.
In the aftermath of the assault, five individuals were found dead in the Gbagir area and were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed deceased. Another simultaneous attack in Logo claimed 12 more lives before the police could respond, bringing the total number of victims to 17.
Anene also stated that the assailants escaped toward the forests near the Taraba border, and that security forces were still chasing them as of Friday.
The police spokesperson warned members of the public, especially social media users, against spreading unverified reports that could stir panic.
“The Commissioner of Police, Hassan Yabanet, has warned social media users to desist from reporting unconfirmed reports that are capable of inciting the general public and creating unnecessary tension in the state,” she said.
She noted that efforts to bring the situation under control are ongoing, and called on residents of the affected areas to remain calm and work closely with security agents.
“The CP is committed to fight the attackers and encouraged the people of Sankera to continue to cooperate with the police as the operation is ongoing,” Anene concluded.
