Militias on Thursday, 8 August, 2024 raided Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State killing at least 40 people.
A youth leader in the area, who preferred anonymity for security reasons, confirmed the incident to an online medium.
“More than 40 people were killed and many were injured. Residents of the village have fled to neighboring communities for safety, ” he said adding that the militias invaded the community on Thursday at about 5 p.m. while residents were returning from their farms and other activities.
According to him, “As of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived at the community. It was a deadly situation.”
An Ukum community leader, Mr. Abraham Waroh, In a post on his Facebook page, lamented the attacks on Ayati.
“Over 40 were killed in Ayati yesterday evening. This is the same place where people were killed previously, which led to a protest that was later hijacked by hoodlums.
“After such incidents, one would have expected the government to ensure a strong security presence in Ayati to prevent further killings. Instead, the government was busy forming committees to look into the crisis.
“I have never witnessed such poor handling of a security issue in my entire life,” Waroh said.
Also,Benue State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene confirmed the incident, saying that , “I’m aware there was an attack, and I’m waiting for a briefing from officers on the ground.”
