By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Suspected armed attackers have reportedly killed some residents and injured others after invading several communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, with at least 22 corpses recovered as of Sunday.
The attacks occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 August, 2026 in several communities in Mbazun Ward, including Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen, according to statements by local officials and a member of the House of Representatives.
The federal lawmaker representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, disclosed that suspected armed Fulani bandits launched what appeared to be a coordinated and premeditated attack on Tiv communities in Mbazun Council Ward, as well as some Tiv communities in Taraba State, at about 1.30am.
He explained that the exact number of casualties was still being established, but confirmed that 22 corpses had reportedly been recovered as of Sunday.
Wombo called on security and intelligence agencies to identify and arrest the perpetrators and their alleged sponsors, while urging residents to avoid retaliatory attacks, stressing that authorities must take immediate, sustained and proactive measures to secure vulnerable communities and forestall further attacks.
Chairman of Ukum Local Government, Jonathan Modi, who visited the affected communities on Sunday, condemned the attacks as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable, disclosing that the council had deployed security personnel to vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.
Modi also visited hospitals where injured victims were receiving treatment and paid their medical bills, commending the Nigerian Army for its prompt mobilisation, which he said helped prevent further escalation of the violence.
Governor Hyacinth Alia also condemned the attack and commended security agencies for their prompt response, according to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, which disclosed that the attackers had invaded the communities in the early hours of Sunday, killing some residents and injuring others.
The Governor said his administration would continue supporting security agencies in protecting the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, insisting that Benue lands remain for Benue people and that anyone who thinks the attackers can intimidate residents into leaving is mistaken.
He stressed that he took an oath to protect the people of the state and would not relent in that responsibility.
The latest attack adds to a series of deadly incidents recorded in Benue in recent weeks, particularly in rural communities.
On July 28, 2026, suspected armed herders attacked Efeyi-Utikpi in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, killing 15 people, including women and children, with the victims buried in a mass burial on August 9, 2026.
Another attack in Otukpo-Nobi on July 12, 2026, left eight residents dead, according to earlier reports, with the victims also subsequently buried.
The violence has continued despite repeated calls from residents and community leaders for stronger security measures and the protection of farming communities.
The latest attacks also came days after a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu to Abuja was attacked along the Ankpechi-Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on August 13, 2026.
Police disclosed that five passengers, including a four-year-old boy, were rescued during a security operation, while nine others remained in captivity as at the time of its statement on August 14, 2026, noting that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury.
Community leaders and affected residents have repeatedly urged security agencies to increase their presence in vulnerable communities, conduct proactive operations and prevent attackers from returning after initial attacks.
Wombo similarly urged authorities to strengthen security around vulnerable communities across Sankera and ensure that residents can return to their farms and homes without fear, insisting that no community should be forced to live in perpetual fear of attack or displacement.
