At least 17 people have been confirmed dead following coordinated attacks by suspected militia groups in the Sankera axis of Benue State, according to the police.

The violence, which occurred in Gbagir (Ukum Local Government Area) and Logo LGA, marks the latest in a series of deadly assaults that have plagued the state over the past decade.

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, stated in a Friday release that security forces engaged the attackers after receiving reports of a large-scale invasion in the Sankera region.

According to the police, five victims were killed in Gbagir before officers intervened, while another 12 were fatally shot in a simultaneous assault in Logo. The total death toll from the attacks now stands at 17.

Security operatives are reportedly pursuing the assailants as they retreat toward forested areas near Taraba State.

The attacks have sparked unverified claims on social media, including allegations that over 100 people were killed by suspected herdsmen. The police have cautioned the public against spreading unconfirmed reports, urging restraint to prevent further tension.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating the violence and called for continued cooperation from residents.

The latest killings come just days after suspected herdsmen launched separate attacks on three communities in Otukpo LGA—Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju—where five people were killed in February.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to Tuesday’s attack in Otobi, condemned the violence and warned against vigilante retaliation. He assured residents of ongoing collaboration with federal security agencies to curb further bloodshed.

Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security forces as operations continue in the affected areas.

Three persons, two confirmed to be from the same family, are feared drowned in a boat mishap in Niger State.

The incident occured in Lapai Local Government Area of the state.

Vanguard gathered that the boat was overloaded with over 200 bags of rice and capsized about 9p.m., on the fateful day as a result of heavy windstorm.

While some claimed that many people drowned during the incident, a source confirmed that only three persons travelled in the boat because the boat was already overloaded and that they all drowned.

It was further gathered that the bags of rice were purchased in Lapai council and were being ferried to Lokoja, Kogi State for sale.

The source said: “The boat was overloaded with bags of rice from our area-Lapai thereby occupying all available spaces in the canoe. Two of those who went on the journey are of the same parents and believed to have most of the bags of rice being transported for sale.

“The bags of rice are more than 200 and the storm which started on their way must have also contributed to the sudden accident.”

Public Relations Officer, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Hussaini Ibrahim, when contacted said the agency was yet to get details of the incident and promised to issue a statement later.
Corpses of those feared dead were yet to be recovered at press time.

The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested a Herbalist identified as Murtala Musa, over the death and mutilation of an 11-year-old boy in Kodomun village, Demsa Local Government Area.

SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, Police Public Relations Officer in a statement said the incident was reported to the police in Demsa on the 13th of April, 2025, by the Village Head of Kodomun and one Fancy Alifas, the Mother of their Victim.

“She reported that her son, Yangapwa David, aged 11, was taken to the said herbalist for treatment but unfortunately died while in his custody.”

According to her, arrangements were made to convey the body home, during which time the corpse was left in the herbalist’s room.

Shockingly, upon her return, she discovered that her son’s left eye had been removed.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and arrested the suspect.”

The Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command, *CP Dankombo Morris assured members of the public that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice is served.

The suspect remains in custody as the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, has been detailed to conduct a discreet investigation.