On Thursday night, reports indicate that at least 30 people were killed in Ayati village, located in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. According to sources who spoke with journalists on Friday, local bandits and suspected armed herders launched a violent attack on the village.
Ayati village has increasingly become a site of brutal violence in Ukum LGA. This recent incident follows a violent protest a few weeks ago, which resulted in the destruction of both personal and government properties and was triggered by the killing of 11 individuals in Ayati.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, revealed that bandits from the Ayongou faction, working with Fulanis, were responsible for the Thursday night attack. This was confirmed by Shima Ayati, a community leader and former gubernatorial candidate, who reported that over 30 bodies have been recovered from the village.