Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the death toll from a brutal attack in the Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State. While some sources allege that as many as 37 individuals were killed by suspected armed herdsmen, the state police dispute this figure, claiming a significantly lower count.
The coordinated attacks reportedly began on Sunday, stretching into the early hours of Monday.
Local sources reported the recovery of 10 bodies in Katsina-Ala and 20 in Logo, with multiple injuries inflicted on surviving residents.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman, Justine Shaku, described the assault as devastating, noting that many lives were lost and properties worth millions of naira destroyed. He called on security forces to intensify efforts to protect the region from further violence.
Similarly, Clement Kav, Chairman of Logo Local Government Area, detailed the extent of the attack in his jurisdiction. He revealed that the perpetrators allegedly claimed ownership of Tombo, one of the affected communities, stating, “The attackers insisted that Tombo land belongs to them.” Kav further disclosed that the assault on Tombo Council Ward resulted in the killing of 17 residents, with 37 others sustaining severe injuries.
Despite these accounts, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, provided a differing narrative. She confirmed the attack in Logo but reported a much lower casualty count. “Logo attack confirmed. Five bodies recovered,” Anene stated.
