Gunmen kill 11 Christians in Benue State

Gunmen killed 11 people, including seven civilians and four police officers, during an attack on the Christian farming community of Ayilamo in Benue State, Nigeria. The Benue State Police Command reported that suspected armed Fulani militia invaded the village in the Tombo Council Ward of the Logo Local Government Area on Thursday, Sept. 10.

The attack began around 6:12 p.m. and led to a seven-hour gun battle between attackers and police tactical teams. The assailants eventually withdrew into nearby forests. Community security official Umishi Terungwa said a large number of attackers crossed into the area by boat from neighboring Taraba and Nasarawa states. Terungwa reported hearing the attackers speak Fulani and chant "Allahu Akbar" during the assault, though his account could not independently confirm the specific identities or affiliations of the group.

The Benue State Police Command has deployed additional tactical personnel to the area following the incident. Ayilamo is located approximately 112 miles northeast of Makurdi, near the borders of Taraba and Nasarawa states.