Armed invaders, suspected to be herders, attacked several communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, August 16, 2026, leaving many people feared dead. Residents reported that the attackers, who arrived on motorcycles, laid siege to at least six villages at about 4:30am, shooting sporadically and killing an unspecified number of people.
Attack on Six Villages in Mbaterem Ward
The affected communities include Ayaba, Ukpen, Bom, Ikpur, Aboajio and Yina, all in Mbaterem council ward of Ukum LGA. A witness told Daily Trust that several people sustained gunshot wounds, and the incident forced many residents to flee into the bushes for safety.
Jonathan Modi, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, told the publication at 5pm on Sunday that the situation was brought under control by security operatives who responded promptly. Modi said he was still at the scene evacuating dead bodies and injured victims to the hospital.
Security Response and Official Confirmation
“The security 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. More security operatives have been deployed to areas where there are perceived threats,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, Peter Aondongu, also confirmed the attack but said details were still being gathered as of press time. “I can confirm that there was an attack in Ukum LGA. More details will be communicated to you as soon as I have them,” the PPRO said.
Governor Alia Condemns Attack, Vows Support
Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, appreciated the security agencies for their prompt response and commiserated with families who lost their loved ones. He said the attackers invaded Mbaterem in Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities, killing some residents and injuring others.
Alia vowed to continue supporting security agencies to protect the people, while warning those bent on frustrating the peace process in the state that they would not succeed. “Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” the governor said. “I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent. I must appreciate the fact that the Federal Government is advancing a lot of support for us to tackle these acts of terrorism,” he added.
Governor Urges Vigilance and Security Presence
The governor, who blamed the attack on armed herders, urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies, stressing that timely information remained critical to tackling criminal elements. He also charged security agencies to maintain their presence in strategic areas across the state and confront what he described as enemies of the state who appeared unrelenting in their attacks. Alia assured residents that his administration would not relent in its efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
