Several people are feared dead and many others injured following a deadly overnight attack by suspected herdsmen on Mtsewnem, Akondutyough village in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to local sources, the assailants stormed the community around 3:00 a.m., attacking residents in their sleep. The attack occurred less than 40 minutes from Makurdi town center, raising serious concerns about security in the state capital.

Humanitarian Response to the Attack

Humanitarian worker and human rights advocate, Ukan Kurugh, described the attack as "deeply disturbing" after receiving distress calls with video footage and photographs of the incident.

"At 3:00 a.m. today, I received a heartbreaking distress call, accompanied by chilling video footage and photographs of yet another suspected herdsmen attack," Kurugh stated.

"These brazen attackers continue to strike with impunity, undeterred by the presence of state and federal authorities. They have defied the President, the Governor, and our entire security apparatus," he added.

In his message to affected families, Kurugh expressed solidarity: "To the wounded and to the families who lost loved ones, my heart grieves with you. Your pain is our pain. We will not turn away. We will not be silent. We are wide awake and we will continue to speak, to mourn, and to demand action."

Pattern of Violence in Benue State

This attack adds to a troubling pattern of violence in Benue State, where communities have repeatedly suffered similar assaults. Recent incidents include the shooting of a 75-year-old man in another herdsmen attack, prompting Benue lawmakers to approach the Chief of Army Staff demanding urgent military action.

BenriNews attempted to reach the Benue State Police Command PRO, Edet Udeme, for official comment, but was unsuccessful at the time of this report. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding casualties or security measures being implemented following the attack.

The North Bank area, a suburb of Makurdi, has become increasingly vulnerable to such attacks despite its proximity to the state capital, raising questions about the effectiveness of security arrangements in the region.

Stay connected with us for updates on this developing story.

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