At least six residents have reportedly been killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, with several others still missing.

The attacks reportedly occurred on Friday night, October 9, 2026, affecting Tse-Nyaku, Biliji and other communities in the Mbatian and Mbazum areas.

A resident of Mbatian, Aondofa David, confirmed that the attacks took place, while a security source said several residents remained unaccounted for.

Death Toll Could Rise

A resident of Biliji, who requested anonymity, said nine people were believed to have been killed, although only six bodies had been recovered at the time of reporting.

The resident alleged that the attackers first invaded villages in Mbazum Mbaterem before moving into communities in Mbatian.

The number of missing residents has raised concerns that the death toll could increase as the situation becomes clearer.

Police Yet to Receive Official Report

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said he had not received an official report of the attacks from security personnel in the affected area.

The chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Jonathan Modi, did not respond to calls seeking his reaction. However, an aide said the chairman was occupied with attending to victims of the incident.

Calls for Urgent Security Response

The attacks have renewed concerns about insecurity in rural communities across Benue State, where repeated violence has left residents vulnerable to displacement and loss of life.

Authorities are expected to establish the full circumstances of the incident, confirm the number of casualties and determine the whereabouts of those reported missing.