Gunmen killed at least 11 security personnel in an ambush around Agu Center in Nigeria’s Benue State, as the region struggles with clashes between Christian farmers and Muslim Fulani herders.
Violence in the African country is driven by competition for resources made scarcer by climate change, leading to desertification and reduced access to water and pasture. But conflict between the two sides also involves religious tensions.
Council Chairman Justine Shaku said the security personnel were killed in an ambush Sunday by suspected armed herdsmen supported by local gangs in Katsina-Ala local government area.
“The attackers laid an ambush on the security taskforce on operation, and after exchange of fire, the attackers killed the security operatives,” he said.
“So far, 11 bodies had been recovered. One civil protection guard is still missing, Shaku added.
A thorough search is actively continuing. The attackers also set fire to two patrol vehicles.
In a separate development, gunmen attacked the residence of a village head in Galumji in the Gombe State, inflicting injuries and stealing cash and valuables.
Local sources said the victim, identified as Guru Tafida, the head of Jarkum village, was attacked by armed men at about 11 pm on Tuesday.
Witnesses said the gunmen hit the victim with the gun butt, deeply wounding his head. Tafida was later rushed to the General Hospital, Dukku, where he was treated and then discharged.
Also, the attackers reportedly stole 30,000 Naira in cash and three mobile phones. They also threatened Tafida, demanding 20 million Naira.
In another security development, gunmen kidnapped the District Head of Birbyang, Alhaji Zubairu Usman Garba, and two other women in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The gunmen, who stormed the community on Sunday, were shooting sporadically before they abducted the wife of the District Head. The woman later managed to escape.
