At least 10 people are feared dead and several others injured following attacks allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen in parts of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The reported attacks affected communities in Mbazun Mbaterem Ward, including Tse Yawe, Ikpuu (Kpuu), Ter Ukum Orkaa Kaave and Tse Kyaave, according to local sources.

However, the Benue State Police Command confirmed three deaths and four injuries, saying security personnel had been deployed to the affected area to prevent further attacks and apprehend those responsible.

Police confirm three deaths

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, the command said the attack occurred at about 7am at Aboajo Village, Mbateren Mbazum Council Ward, Ukum LGA.

The police said three people were killed while four others sustained machete injuries and were rescued to a medical facility.

The statement added that additional tactical and patrol teams had been deployed to the area, while security operations and efforts to arrest the perpetrators remained ongoing.

Residents allege higher casualty figure

Despite the police figure, residents and community sources claimed that the number of casualties could be significantly higher.

A local farmer who identified himself as Mbaane alleged that more than 300 armed men entered the area from the Wukari axis of neighbouring Taraba State.

According to him, the attackers reportedly arrived at about 6:30am and moved between settlements, shooting at residents.

“They were shooting people and moving from one community to another. It was like a huge army of armed herdsmen who came just to kill without any provocation from their victims,” he alleged.

Mbaane claimed that about 10 people were killed and several others injured, while the intervention of military and police personnel helped repel the attackers.

Benue Info-pedia could not independently verify the claim that more than 300 attackers were involved or that the attackers originated from the Wukari axis.

Residents flee affected communities

The attacks reportedly triggered panic across parts of Mbazun Ward, with residents fleeing their homes to neighbouring communities amid fears of further violence.

The incident comes against the backdrop of persistent security concerns in parts of Benue, particularly communities affected by attacks attributed by authorities and residents to armed groups operating under the guise of herders.

Alia condemns attack

Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack and commended security agencies for their intervention.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said suspected terrorists “masquerading as herdsmen” had attacked residents in parts of Mbazun Ward, including Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities.

Governor Alia expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and sympathised with those injured.

He also assured security agencies of continued support from the state government as efforts intensify to protect communities and track down those responsible.

The governor warned against actions capable of undermining the peace process in the state.

“Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” Alia said.

He added that he had taken an oath to protect the people of Benue and would continue to support efforts aimed at securing the state.

Governor urges vigilance

Governor Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

He stressed that timely information from communities was essential to preventing attacks and protecting lives.

He also directed security agencies to maintain their presence in strategic areas and intensify operations against those responsible for attacks.

Police investigation ongoing

As of the time of filing this report, the police confirmed three deaths and four injuries, while local sources continued to allege a higher casualty figure.

Security agencies are expected to establish the full circumstances of the attack and determine the actual number of casualties as operations continue in the affected communities.

Benue Info-pedia will continue to monitor developments and update this report as verified information becomes available.