Armed Herders Kill Four in Benue, Days After Police Station Upgrade

 Barely a week after Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, upgraded the Ayilamo Police Station in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State to a divisional police station, suspected armed herders have launched a deadly attack in the area, killing at least four people.

The incident occurred on Monday when the assailants invaded farmlands and deserted settlements around Tse Mku, Ayilamo, destroying properties in the process.

According to community resident Matthew Nyiyongu, the attackers razed several settlements, leaving fear and panic in their wake. Another local leader, Joseph Anawah, confirmed that two farmers — Kaananfam Nyamikume of Tse Jigam village and Mson from Guma LGA — were murdered while working on their farms. A medicine vendor and Mr. Saaondo Azaye of Tse Azaye village were also killed during the assault.

Anawah further disclosed that marauders believed to be Fulani herders struck around 3 p.m., burning down Tse Mku in Tombu council ward. On Tuesday, search parties discovered two more bodies near Tse Uza settlement, while several persons remain missing.

Locals allege that the attackers have been camping in Tse Ibor, Tse Ukpukuru, and other deserted settlements within the Mbawien clan — a development that has heightened tension in the area despite the recent restructuring of security formations.

Just last week, the Benue State Police Command announced the creation of two new area commands and the elevation of five police stations, including Ayilamo, to divisional status. The move was aimed at closing geographical gaps and improving response to farmer-herder clashes.

However, residents fear that the latest killings underscore the persistence of insecurity in Logo and surrounding communities, casting doubt on the effectiveness of the police upgrades in addressing recurring violence.