More than 15 people were killed in an attack by armed herdsmen in Benue State

• A violent attack by suspected armed herdsmen claimed the lives of over 15 people in Anyiin, Benue State, with dozens of attackers storming the town
• The brutal attack left several people injured and others missing, drawing renewed attention to the escalating violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region
• Eyewitnesses described terror as armed invaders descended on the city in a nearly three-hour siege of homes and families in the community

A renewed wave of violence has hit Anyiin Local Government Area (LGA). Benue State on Wednesday when suspected armed herdsmen launched an attack that left more than 15 people dead, several injured and many others missing.

The incident, which occurred at around 6:32 p.m., has once again shed light on the escalating violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

Witnesses report that this is the end 20 armed people they stormed the city, spreading terror among the inhabitants in an attack that lasted almost three hours.

Shepherd attack claims 15 lives

The attackers attacked houses, leaving a trail of destruction in the community which is also the home of the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suwam.

Community leader Joseph Anawah, who shared details of Thursday’s attack, described the harrowing experience that befell Anyiin.

He said:

“On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Fulani militia terrorists unleashed terror in Anyiin Logo LGA of Benue State in an operation that began at about 6:32 p.m., resulting in the deaths of over 15 people, some with varying degrees of injuries, and others were lost.”

The confirmed deaths include Orihundu Ati, a retired primary school principal, and several young men with close ties to prominent local families, including the son of Mbawuave Related Head, Zaki Mbatern, and the son of Mr. Uyange Chembe, brother of the late Ukemberagya District Chief, Zaki John Chembe.

Press spokesman Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene confirmed that she had not yet received an official report on the incident at the time of writing this report.

However, Col. Alex Igbaya (retd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and External Affairs, confirmed that military personnel have already been deployed to restore order in the affected area.

Shepherd attack in Nigeria

Shepherds attack Nigeria pose an increasing security threat, especially in the country’s central belt and northern regions.

These violent incidents often involve armed groups, often linked to nomadic herders, clashing with local farming communities over resources such as land and water.

Drought, desertification and population growth have intensified competition for these resources, leading to increased tensions and, in many cases, deadly violence.

The conflict has displaced thousands of people, strained social relations and put enormous pressure on state and federal authorities to increase security and address underlying socioeconomic and environmental factors.

Suspected shepherds kill 9 men

Meanwhile, Legit.ng We previously reported that this was suspicious the shepherds were reported to have been killed not less than 12 persons on Sunday evening, June 13 in Kushe Local Government Area and Kuru District of Jos South Plateau state.

The killing occurred around 9:30 p.m. when suspected herdsmen entered the community and fired sporadically.

Source: Legit.ng