Residents of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, have been thrown into fear following a violent attack by suspected Fulani militants at Afubo Island. The assault left a boat operator with an amputated limb and three others seriously injured.

The attack occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, near the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, less than two kilometres from the 72 Special Forces Battalion. Victims include canoe engine driver Jerry Saleh, whose limb was severed, two brothers, Edoh and Adah Adikwu, who sustained machete wounds, and an unidentified Tiv farmer who suffered life-threatening injuries. All victims are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi and Sandra Hospital Makurdi.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers targeted mainly Tiv and Agatu indigenes. One local resident said, “They attacked without warning. It was brutal and coordinated.” Another added, “Afubo Island has become a dangerous hideout. Something urgent must be done.”

Residents are calling on security agencies to dismantle suspected criminal camps in the area. Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.