BREAKING: Gunmen storm popular northern state in Nigeria, kill several people

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics and public journalism in Nigeria.

Katsina-Ala, Benue state - Gunmen suspected to be local militias, have attacked Gugur community in Katsina-Ala local government area (LGA) of Benue state and killed several people.

The Punch quoted local sources as saying the gunmen rode on motorcycles to attack the community between 9 pm and 10 pm on Tuesday, June 18.

Gunmen have reportedly killed more than five people during an attack on Gugur community in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue state. Photo credit: Nigeria Police Force
Source: Facebook

Shaku Justine, the local government chairman, confirmed the attack.

Justine said:

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When contacted, Catherine Anene, spokesperson of the Benue police command, said she was yet to receive the report.

Ceaseless Benue state attacks

Competition over land use is common in Benue state, where fault lines between farmers and herders often overlap with ethnic and religious divisions.

The state has been one of the states hit hardest by years of disputes between nomadic herders and pastoral farmers who blame herdsmen for destroying farmland with their cattle grazing.

Those conflicts have often spiralled into broader criminality and tit-for-tat revenge attacks between informal armed groups established to protect rival communities.

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Gunmen attack Agatu in Benue state

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that unknown gunmen suspected to be herdsmen did the unthinkable in Makurdi, Benue state.

No fewer than four people, including two soldiers, were killed in an attack on the Okokolo community of Agatu LGA.

Source: Legit.ng