A fierce gunfight between personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen broke out early Monday morning in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.
Reports suggest the clash began around 6 a.m. when over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived in the area. The military operation reportedly targeted suspected gunmen believed to be camped near a river marking the boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.
Soldiers have since secured key junctions leading to and from the village, while others continue to engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. Gunfire has been ongoing as of the time of reporting, creating tension in the area.
No official statement has been released by the Nigerian Army or the Abia State government regarding the operation. The confrontation follows Governor Alex Otti’s recent promise to improve security in the state after a meeting with top security officials.
At least 30 people have allegedly been k!lled after alleged herdsmen invaded several communities across two Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Rural communities in Kastina-Ala and Logo LGAs were attacked on Sunday, Nov. 24, and in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 25.
According to locals, 10 corpses have been recovered in the Kastina-Ala while 20 bodies were recovered in Logo area, bringing the total number of d£@ths to 30.
Commenting on the incident, a community leader in Logo, Chief Joseph Anawah, said, “There was attack on Azege settlement and environ of Tombo Council Ward yesterday, Sunday 24th November 2024 about 7am. Armed men numbering over 300, suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, struck.
“This invasion was carried out in the morning hours and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals. The security operatives on ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying. It was not until the arrival of a military jet before they were able to subdue them to retreat. Over 20 corpses were discovered while the search for more missing persons is on going.”
Council Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, also told journalists in Makurdi that many people were k!lled in his area and valuable property destroyed.
“Yes, another incident of attack by herder marauders was reported to have taken place this morning (Monday) the 25th day of November, 2024 at about 2am. The Information is that many of them heavily armed stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward of Shitile in Katsina -Ala LGA.
“From reports, they have killed many people, number yet unknown, destroyed valuable properties and looted a lot of household items and left uninterruptedly. Note that Benue State is under serve security threat by herder armed bandits. The level of destruction and scores killed would be forwarded to you in due course, please,” Shaku said.
His Logo LGA counterpart, Clement Kav, alleged that the attackers claimed ownership of his domain, saying that the Tombo land belongs to them.
“They attacked the Tombo council ward and killed 17 person and injured 37. The Governor has already mobilised more security to the area and peace has been restored. No case of missing persons for now,” he said.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying, however, that five bodies were recovered.
Some locals have gone on Facebook to address the attack.
