Up to 10 people are feared killed after suspected armed herdsmen attacked several communities in Ukum LGA, Benue State, on Sunday, though police have confirmed three deaths so far.
Ukum, Benue State — August 16, 2026
Up to 10 people are feared dead and several others injured following attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, though the Benue State Police Command has so far only confirmed three deaths and four injuries.
The attacks reportedly struck parts of Mbazun Mbaterem ward, including Tse Yawe, Ikpuu (Kpuu), Ter Ukum Orkaa Kaave, and Tse Kyaave communities, forcing hundreds of residents to flee to neighbouring areas. According to a statement from the police command's Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, the confirmed attack occurred at around 7 a.m. at Aboajo Village, within the same council ward.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security agencies for their response and reassured residents that his administration would continue supporting efforts to protect lives and property across the state.
In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said suspected terrorists "masquerading as herdsmen" had invaded and attacked residents across several communities in Mbazun Ward, including Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, and Ukpen. He extended condolences to the families of those killed and sympathy to the injured, while assuring security agencies of continued state government support.
Alia also issued a pointed warning against efforts to derail the state's peace process, declaring that Benue's land belongs to its people, a message consistent with his administration's recent public stance amid the ongoing national debate over the Federal Government's proposed ranching pilot in the state.
The attack adds to an unrelenting string of deadly incidents recorded across Benue State's local government areas in recent months, including recent killings in Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, and Kwande, as communities across the state continue to grapple with recurring violence even as security forces intensify patrols and the state pursues new military formations, including the planned Army 5 Division headquarters.
As of this report, search and rescue efforts in the affected Ukum communities remained ongoing, and the final death toll had yet to be confirmed.
More on Benue