MAKURDI, Nigeria — A wave of coordinated violence across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State has left at least 23 people dead, forcing scores of residents to flee their homes amid fears of further attacks.
The affected LGAs — Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande — have experienced repeated assaults in recent days, with local sources blaming armed herdsmen and suspected ethnic militias for the killings.
In Kwande LGA, Dr. Ray Anumve, a community leader and founder of the Dr. Ray Anumve Foundation, told journalists in Makurdi on Saturday, May 10, 2025, that armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants carried out multiple attacks on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the Turan area, including Mbaav Clan in Mbadura Council Ward and Anwase in the Mkomon area.
“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,” Anumve said.
He added that the assailants crossed the River Katsina-Ala and ambushed farmers returning from their fields.
One victim, identified as Agwei, was killed instantly, while his brother and son sustained serious injuries and are now receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
In another incident, a motorcycle rider was shot in the abdomen at Waya in Yaav Council Ward.
In Ukum LGA, attacks on Saturday morning in Jootar town claimed at least eight lives, according to the State Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, who hails from the area.
The victims were identified as Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa, and Orfega Atuku.
Abo told journalists he could not confirm the identity of the perpetrators, citing the presence of both external armed groups and local communal tensions between Tiv and Jukun communities.
In Logo LGA, nine people were reported killed, while Guma and Kwande LGAs each recorded three fatalities, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to 23, according to residents and local leaders.
In Guma LGA, community members reported growing fears of a planned attack on the Yelewata community in Nyiev Council Ward.
A youth from the area, identified only as Paul, said a machete attack on May 8 left one person hospitalised in Makurdi and heightened suspicions that armed herdsmen were preparing an incursion from neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Additional attacks in Guma reportedly occurred on May 9 and 10 in Ukpiam and Umenger communities, respectively.
A woman identified as Helen Nenge was also attacked and robbed in Mbawa Mbanyiar.
The frequency and spread of the attacks have overwhelmed local communities, with some residents declining to speak publicly due to fears of retaliation.
Police spokesperson for the Benue State Command, CSP Catherine Anene, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incidents.
As of Sunday, May 11, 2025, attempts to reach her for comment had not been successful.
