The Benue State Police Command has denied widespread media reports claiming that gunmen killed nearly two dozen people across multiple local government areas over the weekend.
Several local and international news organizations had alleged that coordinated attacks in Logo, Ukum, Guma, and Kwande LGAs left at least 23 people dead.
Some of these reports quoted eyewitnesses, while others cited a Red Cross official as their source.
However, on Monday, police spokesperson Sewuese Anene dismissed the reports as inaccurate. According to her, the incident in question occurred in Taraba State, not Benue.
“Those reports are incorrect. Something happened in Taraba, and we’re unsure of the exact number of casualties.
“The deceased were brought back to their hometown for burial in Benue, which may have led to confusion,” Anene clarified.
She noted that the victims were originally from Jootar, a community in Ukum LGA, which explains why the burial took place there instead of Taraba.
Nonetheless, Anene did confirm that gunmen opened fire in Ayilamo, Logo LGA, on Friday, killing two individuals. She added that security operatives, including the police and military, swiftly responded and repelled further threats.
Efforts to get an official comment from the Taraba State Police Command were unsuccessful, as they have yet to release a public statement.
Benue has been grappling with rising insecurity, largely fueled by tensions between farmers and herders. In less than two months, over 100 lives have been lost. Governor Hyacinth Alia has attributed the violence to external forces.
