A deadly early-morning attack has struck Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, with several residents feared killed and others injured. Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the violence and ordered security agencies to send more personnel to the area to stop further attacks.
The attack happened at about 2am on Wednesday, July 1, in Sai community, Mbajir Council Ward. Residents in the affected area are advised to stay alert, avoid spreading unconfirmed casualty figures, and follow updates from the state government, police and other recognised security channels.
According to community sources quoted by PUNCH, armed attackers entered the community while many residents were asleep and opened fire as people fled for safety. One resident, who spoke anonymously, said youths later recovered 10 bodies when they returned to the community at daybreak. Several injured victims were reportedly taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.
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The official death toll has not yet been confirmed. PUNCH reported that the Benue State Police Command had not responded to the incident at the time of filing its report, while calls to the command’s spokesperson were not answered.
Governor Alia condemned the attack in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula. He called for extra security deployment to Sai and nearby communities, saying this was needed to prevent further incursions.
The governor also directed security agencies to begin a manhunt for those behind the killings and ensure that farmers are protected as they work on their farms.
In the statement, Alia described the attack as an “ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence”. He said it came at a critical time when many farmers had returned to their ancestral lands to cultivate their crops.
The statement alleged that the attack was carried out by terrorists “masquerading as herdsmen”. However, that description has not yet been independently confirmed by the police, and no arrests had been reported at the time of the initial account.
Alia said those behind the violence were trying to disrupt peace and food production in the state. Benue is one of Nigeria’s key farming states, and insecurity in rural areas can force families off their land, damage livelihoods and affect local food supply.
The governor expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and to those receiving medical care. He also assured residents that the government remained committed to protecting lives and property.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits,” the statement added.
Katsina-Ala has been one of the flashpoints of violence in Benue State. The area has suffered repeated attacks linked in various reports to armed groups, local bandits and conflict involving farming communities and armed herders.
The latest attack is expected to increase pressure on security agencies to give a clear public update on the number of casualties, the identity of the attackers and the steps being taken to protect neighbouring communities.
For now, residents of Sai and surrounding villages should remain cautious and report suspicious movement through recognised local security channels. Families searching for missing relatives or injured victims should rely on official hospital, police and government updates, not social media claims.
The next key issue is confirmation from the police and state authorities. Until then, casualty figures should be treated with caution, while residents should keep safe and follow instructions from recognised security agencies.
