At least 23 individuals have reportedly lost their lives in separate attacks carried out by suspected armed herdsmen across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State: Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande.
The attacks, which occurred within the last 24 hours, claimed nine lives in Logo, eight in Ukum, and six in both Guma and Kwande LGAs.
According to Dr. Ray Anumve, a resident of Kwande LGA, the Turan communities were targeted by suspected herdsmen and Jukun-speaking militants on Friday. “The coordinated bloody attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun-speaking assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA of the State, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement. The assailants spoke Fulfulde and Jukun,” he said.
Dr. Anumve recounted that the Mbaav Clan, Mbadura Council Ward, near Tse Yande compound at Gusa crossing, River Katsina-Ala, was attacked while farmers were returning from their fields. One farmer, Mr. Agwei, was killed, while his brother and son sustained serious injuries and are now receiving treatment in a clinic at Jato-Aka.
In separate incidents, a man named Mr. Iortsor was killed at Anwase, Mkomon Area, Mbaikyor Council Ward, while another victim, a motorcycle rider, sustained critical abdominal injuries in Waya, Yaav Council Ward. Dr. Anumve also revealed that a prior attack in the Ikurav-Ya Clan had led to multiple deaths and destruction of property, although the full extent of the damage is still being documented.
In Ukum LGA, another local reported nine fatalities following attacks in Jootar. “More dead bodies are being recovered from the bush as a result of the herdsmen attacks,” the source said. Victims identified include Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa, and Orfega Atuku.
In Guma LGA, a source named Mr. Paul described heightened tension in Yelewata, Nyiev Council Ward, due to the incursion of armed herdsmen from neighbouring Nasarawa State. He said the violence intensified after a young man was macheted by herders on May 8, leaving him in critical condition at a hospital in Makurdi.
Another anonymous source stated that attacks had become nearly daily occurrences in the region. “On May 9, Ukpiam in Mababai Council Ward was attacked; they killed three people and today, Saturday, May 10, Umenger in Mbadwem Council Ward was attacked. But for Umenger, we have not received reports yet on the casualties,” the source explained. He also noted that many residents have fled, despite it being farming season, though security forces are trying to restore calm.
Benue State’s Commissioner for Information, Mr. Mathew Abor, confirmed the Ukum LGA incident but said it was unclear who was responsible due to ongoing tensions between Tiv and Jukun communities. Attempts to reach the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.
What you should know
Benue State continues to face deadly violence as suspected herdsmen and militants attack multiple communities, resulting in at least 23 deaths.
The escalating insecurity has displaced residents during the peak farming season, while local authorities and security agencies struggle to contain the crisis.
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