Bandits killed over 30 people in recent attack on Benue community

A group of bandits killed over 30 people in the recent attack on a community in Ayati village, Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State. Bandits are robbers who belong to gangs usually running up in lawless areas.

This recent fatal attack by bandits happened on August 8, 2024 night. Suspected armed herders and local bandits mutually conducted raids and terrorized the village of people.

Nigerian media reports frequently show such fatal incidents in Ayati village which is progressively turning into a “slaughterhouse.”

*Bandits attacked the Benue community in collaboration with herders*

It is significant to note that the killing of eleven individuals in the Ayati community a few weeks ago sparked violent protests that resulted in the damage of private and government property in the village council.

A village member reported that bandits associated with the Ayongou group in collaboration with Fulanis herders attacked and killed over 30 innocent people. Fulanis is an ethnic group in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Shima Ayati also verified this attack news and the discovery of over 30 dead bodies of people in the village. Shima is a prominent member of the village council and a former candidate for governor of Benue.

Shima informed media reporters that several herders gave some bandits money so they could let their livestock graze in two council areas of the village.

*Damaged property of Ayati village in aftermath of bandits and herders attack*

Click here to read the updates on 37 people killed in Niger and Benue states due to bandits’ attack

Following this, herders got into conflict with farmers who worked for the government in the council when they were grazing their animals.

The government moved security officials to the incident place to throw herders out of the area. Because herders let animals graze on government property.

Security officials also burned the temporary tents that herders had made. Afterward, herders returned to bandits and went in rage as they paid money to them for land. Then, they attacked a village in collaboration with bandits and massacred everyone they encountered.