The Benue State Government has reported that local militias have killed more than 30 people in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area, on Thursday night.
Matthew Aboh, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, disclosed the details during a press briefing in Makurdi on Friday. He confirmed that substantial security forces have been dispatched to the region to restore peace.
Aboh mentioned that 30 bodies had been recovered so far, with more likely still being found in the surrounding areas. He attributed the violence to ongoing clashes between rival local militias in the region.
“Last night, I was informed of an attack by bandits in Ayati village. As of now, 30 individuals have been confirmed dead, and the search for additional bodies is ongoing. The final count may increase,” Aboh said.
He elaborated that the conflict is rooted in a power struggle between militias from different villages. “One group is from Ayati, while their rivals come from Tine-nune, Mbatyem. This rivalry has led to continuous reprisals, with each side attacking the other’s stronghold,” Aboh explained.
A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, claimed that the death toll could exceed 50.
In response, SP Sewuese Anene, the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer in Benue, confirmed the attack and indicated that further updates would be provided pending additional information from the scene.
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