A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday evening in Anyiin, the hometown of former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, located in Logo Local Government Area. Bandits launched a brutal attack around 6:32 pm, firing indiscriminately and causing extensive loss of life and injuries. According to local reports, over 15 residents were killed, and several others sustained injuries, while many remain unaccounted for.
Witnesses revealed that the attackers, numbering over 20 and heavily armed, carried out the assault over a span of three hours. Community leader Joseph Anawah, a former aide to the ex-governor, provided details of the attack on Thursday. He expressed grief over the incident, confirming that several notable community members, including retired primary school supervisor Orihundu Ati and Zaki Mbatern, the son of the Kindred Head of Mbawuave, were among those killed. Other casualties included the son of Tordoo Suswam, a former Chief of Staff, and the son of Mr. Uyange Chembe, whose brother was the late District Head of Ukemberagya.
Anawah highlighted the overwhelming number of assailants, which rendered local security forces ineffective in countering the attack. He emphasized that this marks the second such violent incident in the community within the month of October and urged both the state and federal governments to intensify security efforts to prevent further bloodshed in the region.
Alex Igbaya, Special Adviser on Security and External Affairs to the Benue State Governor, confirmed the tragic event and reported that military units and other security forces had been dispatched to restore peace in Anyiin. However, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer Catherine Anene stated that she had not yet received complete information on the incident.
This recent attack has amplified concerns about rising insecurity in the area and renewed calls for collaborative measures to bolster protection for vulnerable communities across Benue State.
