According to the reports on Monday (4 November), armed herders in Nigeria’s Benue State launched a violent attack over the weekend, killing six residents and razing homes in Ayilamo, a community in the Logo Local Government Area. The assailants reportedly arrived at dawn, firing shots while advancing with their cattle into the town. Many residents are now missing following this latest assault, which took place along the Abinsi–Anyiin–Wukari federal highway.
Eyewitness Terwase Avande described how the armed herders attacked the town in waves. Initially, members of Operation Whirl Stroke, a military task force, repelled the assailants, temporarily minimizing damage. However, the herders returned later in the day, attacking both homes and the local police station despite the military’s presence in the area.
Community leader Chief Paul Adetsav attributes the ongoing violence to the recent discovery of mineral resources around Ayilamo and surrounding areas, which he believes has sparked tension and illegal mining. He noted that since the state government halted unauthorized mining activities, the frequency and severity of these attacks have escalated, leaving the community under constant threat.
The attacks have devastated local livelihoods as farms are being destroyed by herders and their cattle, leaving families facing hunger and poverty. With a population of over 400,000, Ayilamo’s residents feel neglected by the government, which they accuse of failing to provide adequate security. Clement Ukav, Chairman of the Logo Local Government Council, confirmed the incident and promised to take further action to address the crisis.
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