​At least nine people have been reportedly killed in a series of fresh attacks carried out by suspected armed herdsmen across rural farming communities in Benue State.
​The midnight raid targeted Tse-Nyaku, Tse-Biliji, and adjoining settlements in the Mbatian Council Ward of Ngenev, situated within the Ukum Local Government Area.
​The violent invasion commenced late Friday evening, October 9, 2026, and extended into the early hours of Saturday, October 10.
According to local residents, the assailants struck first in neighboring villages before moving in large numbers into Mbatian. Opening fire indiscriminately on sleeping villagers, the attackers forced residents to flee into surrounding bushes for safety.
​By Saturday afternoon, local search parties had recovered nine bodies from the affected sites. Community members fear the death toll could rise further as numerous residents remain unaccounted for.
Local sources noted that the surviving population has entirely deserted the affected communities, with one resident reporting that an armed assailant had taken possession of a deceased victim’s mobile phone and was actively answering incoming calls.
​Reacting to the tragedy, Hon. Livinus Tyodoo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Ukum I (Ngenev) State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, issued a signed press statement condemning the assault.
Describing the raid as “one attack too many,” Tyodoo confirmed receiving reports of the violence early Saturday morning and called on security agencies to intervene urgently to restore order in the Sankera axis.
​When contacted regarding the incident, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, stated that official reports from security personnel stationed in the area had not yet reached headquarters.
“I am yet to receive a report of the attack you are talking about. When I get details, I will get back to you,” DSP Aondongu said.
