A fresh incident of violence has again unsettled rural settlements in Benue State, where suspected armed herdsmen reportedly set fire to a classroom block at L.G.E.A. Primary School, Akombo, near Ayiim in Logo Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday evening in Logo Local Government Area, also left agricultural produce, including seed yams, completely destroyed, worsening concerns over the safety of schools and farmlands in the area.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants invaded the community under yet-to-be-clarified circumstances, with gunfire reportedly echoing across the area and forcing residents to abandon their homes and take refuge in nearby bushes.
Sources further revealed that the fire gutted parts of the school building, leaving the classroom block extensively damaged, while stored farm produce within the vicinity was consumed in the blaze.
The development has further intensified anxiety among farmers in neighbouring communities, many of whom say repeated attacks have made farming activities increasingly dangerous, particularly during key agricultural periods.
A community member, Hulega Keghter Kenneth, said residents were relieved that no lives were lost but lamented the worsening insecurity that continues to threaten livelihoods in the area.
“We thank God that no life was lost, but there is growing uncertainty about returning to our farms in the affected areas,” he said.
At the time of filing this report, there was no official reaction from authorities, while attempts to contact the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.
