At least 30 people were reported dead following an attack on Ayati village in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday night.
According to sources who spoke with journalists on Friday, local bandits and suspected armed herders were responsible for the violence that engulfed the village. Ayati has increasingly become a hotspot for such deadly incidents in the region.
This latest attack follows a violent protest in the area a few weeks ago, triggered by the killing of 11 people in Ayati.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the assault was carried out by bandits affiliated with the Ayongou faction, in collaboration with Fulani herders. The attackers targeted the village, leading to numerous fatalities.
Shima Ayati, a community leader and former gubernatorial candidate, confirmed the attack and reported that more than 30 bodies had been recovered. He described the sequence of events, noting that conflicts between herders and farmers, followed by government intervention, led to the herders seeking revenge through the bandits.
The state police command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed awareness of the incident but stated that she was awaiting a detailed briefing from officers on the ground.
