Six people were injured when bandits attacked Antsa village in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday.
The attackers invaded the community around 1:00 am while some traders, who usually close their shops late, were still at their businesses.
A source, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the bandits entered the community and began assaulting residents.
“They brutally wounded the people, and most of them were hospitalized,” the source said. “About six persons had their bodies cut, and one had his finger severed, which was found on the ground. We also heard they went to CAPS and inflicted injuries on some individuals there.”
The source added that soldiers arrived that night and began shooting, causing the bandits to flee. In response to the attack, angry youths blocked the road for hours, burning tires in protest.
This incident follows an ultimatum given by Governor Hyacinth Alia in March 2024, demanding that herders vacate the state within two weeks. Despite this order, armed herders have continued to launch attacks in the state.
The residents of Antsa village are now living in fear, hoping for increased security and a swift response from the authorities to prevent further violence.