At least 23 persons have been killed in a series of coordinated attacks across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
Daily Trust reports that the affected LGAs include: Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande.
Residents told our correspondent that the latest wave of attacks has forced many to flee their communities, as the attacks had become to frequent.
The witnesses said that nine people were killed in Logo LGA, eight in Ukum, while Guma and Kwande LGAs each recorded three deaths, bringing the total to 23 fatalities.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday, Ray Anumve, an indigene of Kwande LGA, said the attacks in his locality were perpetrated by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants who stormed several communities in the Turan area on Friday, May 9, 2025.
“Coordinated brutal attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun-speaking assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement.
“The attackers spoke both Fulfulde and Jukun languages,” Anumve said.
He specifically mentioned that the Mbaav Clan in Mbadura Council Ward, near the Tse Yande compound and Gusa crossing by River Katsina-Ala, came under attack as the assailants crossed the river and ambushed farmers returning from their fields.
Anumve further explained that one of the victims, a farmer identified as Agwei, was killed on the spot, while his brother and son sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
The indigene, who is founder of the Ray Anumve Foundation, also disclosed that the attackers struck Anwase in the Mkomon area, Mbaikyor Council Ward, where one Iortsor was killed.
He said in a separate incident at Waya in Yaav Council Ward, a motorcycle rider was shot in the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude and that he is currently receiving medical attention at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
According to him, the affected areas have been under frequent assault, with armed invaders reportedly seizing motorcycles from local riders, adding that an earlier attack on the Ikurav-Ya Clan, specifically at Tyuav and Usambe Sha Hua in Liev I Ward, left multiple people dead and properties destroyed.
Anumve noted however that, casualty figures and the extent of property damage are still being compiled by locals and community leaders.
In Ukum LGA, a separate source confirmed that nine persons had been officially declared dead, but noted that more bodies were being discovered in the bush following attacks attributed to armed herdsmen.
The Ukum attack reportedly occurred on the morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Jootar town.
Those killed in the Jootar attack were identified as Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa, and Orfega Atuku.
Meanwhile, locals said tension has mounted in Guma LGA, where residents fear an impending attack.
A youth identified as Paul told journalists that militias suspected to be armed herdsmen have allegedly mobilised from hideouts in neighborhood state, with plans to invade Yelewata community in Nyiev Council Ward.
Paul said the tension escalated after a youth from the community was attacked with a machete on May 8, and that the victim is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Makurdi.
Yelewata is a border town between Guma LGA in Benue State and Giza Development Area of Nasarawa State.
A resident of Guma, who spoke under condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, also confirmed that the LGA has been experiencing near-daily attacks.
He said that on May 9, three persons were killed in Ukpiam, Mababai Council Ward, while Umenger in Mbadwem Council Ward was attacked the following day, May 10.
However, he noted that reports on casualties from the Umenger incident were yet to be confirmed just as a woman identified as Helen Nenge from Mbawa Mbanyiar kindred was also attacked on Friday at 4pm, wounded and the sum of N6000 collected from her.
The State Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, an indigene of Ukum, confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that that eight farmers were killed on Saturday morning in his home LGA while on their way to the farm.
Abo however could not ascertain those responsible for that latest killing as according to him, apart from armed invasions, there had also been communal crisis in Jootar between the Tiv and Jukun.
Police spokesperson for Benue command, Catherine Anene, had yet to respond to calls or messages put through her telephone for confirmation of the incidents.
Daily Trust
