Seventeen people have been confirmed dead following separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Benue State on Friday, April 18, 2025. The attacks occurred in two local government areas—Ukum and Logo—leaving communities in shock and mourning.
According to local sources, five people were killed in Gbagir, a community in Ukum LGA, while 12 others lost their lives in Logo LGA. Among those killed in Logo was an entire family of eight, raising fears over the growing insecurity in the region.
Residents had earlier raised concerns over unusual movements of armed men seen carrying AK-47 rifles and other high-powered weapons in broad daylight. Just days before, 11 people were reportedly killed in Akpa, a community in Otobi, Otukpo LGA.
The Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, confirmed the incident in an official statement. He explained that police received intelligence on the night of April 17 about a planned attack on the Sankera region. Tactical teams were immediately deployed to the area to join forces with existing security personnel.
As officers engaged the attackers in Gbagir, the gunmen opened fire on nearby farmers, killing five people who were later confirmed dead at the hospital. Meanwhile, a separate attack occurred around the same time in Logo LGA, where 12 people were killed before security forces arrived.
Police and other security agencies are still operating in the area and continue to pursue the armed group as they retreat toward forested areas near the Taraba border. The Commissioner warned social media users against spreading unverified reports, urging the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as operations continue.
Matthew Aboh, the Commissioner for Information, acknowledged a recent influx of herders into Ukum LGA and confirmed that five people were killed, while three others are receiving treatment at a hospital in Zaki Biam. He noted that Ukum and Logo remain the worst hit by the ongoing violence.
Local sources also reported that some of the victims were caught completely off guard while working on their farms or resting at home. The overall death toll continues to send shockwaves across the region, especially as it happened on Good Friday—a day when many residents were preparing for Easter celebrations.
