Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the death toll from a recent attack in Logo and Katsina-Ala local government areas of Benue State, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen.
Local authorities claim that the attacks, which began on Sunday and continued into Monday, resulted in over 30 deaths across multiple communities. According to reports, 10 bodies were recovered in Katsina-Ala and 20 in Logo.
Addressing journalists in Makurdi, the Katsina-Ala Local Government Chairman, Justine Shaku, condemned the attack, describing it as devastating and noting that lives and valuable properties were lost. Similarly, the Logo Local Government Chairman, Clement Kav, reported that the attackers claimed ownership of Tombo, one of the affected areas.
“They attacked the Tombo council ward, killed 17 persons, and injured 37,” Kav stated.
However, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, provided a conflicting account. She confirmed the incident but reported a significantly lower death toll, stating, “Logo attack confirmed. Five bodies recovered.”
The attack has heightened tensions in the state, with local government officials emphasizing the scale of the destruction, while the police maintain a more conservative estimate of casualties.
The incident adds to the growing insecurity in Benue State, where clashes between armed groups and local communities continue to claim lives and displace residents.
