A fresh wave of violence has reportedly hit rural communities in Benue State, as suspected armed herdsmen allegedly set ablaze a classroom block at L.G.E.A. Primary School, Akombo, near Ayiim in Logo Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday evening, also left several seed yams destroyed, deepening fears over the safety of farmlands and rural infrastructure in the troubled axis of Logo Local Government Area.
Residents said the attackers stormed the community under unclear circumstances, with gunshots reportedly ringing out during the assault, forcing villagers to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
According to eyewitness accounts, the fire consumed parts of the school structure, leaving the classroom block badly damaged, while agricultural produce stored within the vicinity—especially seed yams—was completely razed.
The latest attack has further heightened anxiety among farmers in surrounding communities, many of whom say repeated incidents have made access to their farmlands increasingly risky, especially during planting and harvest seasons.
A resident, Hulega Keghter Kenneth, expressed relief that no lives were lost but lamented the growing insecurity in the area, warning that fear was gradually keeping farmers away from their livelihoods.
“We thank God that no life was lost, but there is growing uncertainty about returning to our farms in the affected areas,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities were yet to issue an official response on the incident, while efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls were not returned.