Many people were killed after armed attackers attacked several communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents shared with Daily Trust that the attackers launched an attack on at least six villages around 4:30 am on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
They fired randomly and killed a number of people, though the exact count was not given.
The locals claimed the armed invaders used motorcycles during the attack on the communities of Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Ikpur, Aboajio, and Yina, which are located in the Mbaterem council ward of Ukum LGA.
A witness also said that several people were injured by gunshots, and the incident caused residents to flee into the bushes for safety.
Ukum LGA's Jonathan Modi told the publication that by 5 pm on Sunday, the situation had been brought under control by security forces who responded quickly.
Modi explained that he was still at the scene helping to move the dead and injured to the hospital.
“The security forces responded immediately to the attacks.
Sadly, there were casualties, but we are at the scene moving those wounded to the hospital.We have recovered some bodies,” he said.
He also mentioned that more security personnel had been sent to areas where there were suspected threats.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, Peter Aondongu, confirmed the attack but stated that more details were still being gathered.
“I can confirm that there was an attack in Ukum LGA.
More details will be shared with you as soon as I have them,” the PPRO said.
In response to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia praised the security agencies for their quick response and expressed sympathy for the families who lost their loved ones.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said that the attackers had invaded the communities of Mbaterem in Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, and Ukpen, killing some residents and injuring others.
Alia promised to continue supporting the security agencies in protecting the people while warning those who sought to disrupt the peace in the state that they would not succeed.
“Benue belongs to the Benue people.
Anyone who thinks attacking us will make us leave the land is mistaken,” the governor said.
“I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not stop.
I must appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is providing a lot of support for us to deal with these acts of terrorism,” he added.
The governor, who blamed the attack on armed herders, urged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing that timely information was essential in combating criminals.
He also instructed security agencies to maintain their presence in key areas across the state and to confront those he described as enemies of the state who seemed determined to continue their attacks.
Alia assured residents that his administration would not stop its efforts to protect the lives and property of people across the state.
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