In separate incidents, at least 12 individuals have lost their lives in attacks across Kebbi and Benue states, highlighting the persistent security challenges plaguing the region. In Benue State, a fresh assault by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa community, Ugbaam, in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) has resulted in the death of at least six persons.

According to reports, the attack occurred around 7 PM on Saturday, leaving several others injured and many residents missing. Local sources indicated that the armed men stormed the village, firing shots indiscriminately and looting properties. Community youths, armed with sticks and stones, attempted to resist the attack but were ambushed near the Kafe stream by a larger group of armed assailants.

One eyewitness recounted, "The assailants had stationed some of their men at the stream. As the youths approached, over 50 armed men emerged from the bush with guns, machetes, and other weapons, killing several of them." The attackers then looted farm produce and set properties ablaze. Among the victims was Michael Adeke, who had recently posted on Facebook about the recurrent attacks in the area and the need for residents to defend themselves.

The Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Jonathan Modi, confirmed the incident, expressing his grief. Efforts to obtain comments from the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.

In Kebbi State, suspected Lakurawa terrorists invaded the villages of Baziga and Rausar Kade in Arewa Local Government Area, resulting in the death of six persons and the rustling of an unspecified number of cattle. Hon. Sani Aliyu Tela, Chairman of Arewa LGA, informed Governor Nasir Idris that the bandits, originating from Matankari near the Sokoto State border, raided Rausar Kade and rustled cows. Residents from Baziga who came to assist were also attacked, resulting in additional casualties.

Governor Idris, accompanied by security agency heads, visited the affected communities and assured residents of the government's commitment to ending such attacks. "My administration has improved the security in Kebbi South of Zuru and Yauri. What’s happening now in Kebbi North, Argungu Emirate, is a desperate game of hit and run by the bandits," he stated, adding that the bandits were infiltrating from neighboring states.

The governor ordered the construction of two solar-powered motorized boreholes for the affected communities and provided financial assistance to the families of the deceased and those injured.

Meanwhile, in Benue State, as of Sunday morning, at least six bodies had been recovered following the attack on Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa, and Ugbaam in Ukum Local Government Area. A former local government official reported that several people remained missing. The recurring attacks in Tse Ugema and nearby communities, close to the Zaki Biam International Yam Market, are raising concerns about a resurgence of local banditry.

Chairman of Ukum LGA, Jonathan Modi, was en route to the affected area and promised to provide further details upon his return. The Police Spokesperson for Benue command, CSP Catherine Anene, stated she was not yet aware of the incident.