At least 23 people were killed over the weekend in a new wave of violence across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande, bringing the death toll to 159 in just 40 days. Residents report that these attacks, attributed to armed herdsmen and suspected ethnic militants, have become an almost daily threat, forcing many to flee their communities.
In Kwande LGA, eyewitnesses said attackers speaking Fulfulde and Jukun languages ambushed farmers and villagers in the Turan area. A farmer named Agwei was killed on the spot, while his family members sustained severe injuries. Separate incidents in the area saw more killings and injuries, with motorcycles seized by the attackers.
Nine members of a single family were reportedly murdered in Ukum LGA during an attack in Jootar on May 10. Victims included Jonathan Ordooga and several others, with locals saying more bodies are being discovered in surrounding bushes.
In Guma LGA, tensions are high amid reports of an impending attack on Yelewata, a border town with Nasarawa State. Recent incidents in the area include the machete attack of a youth and the murder of three people in separate villages.
Police have confirmed only one attack—in Ayilamo, Logo LGA—saying security forces repelled it and that two local officers were shot. Authorities claim the Jootar killings occurred in Taraba State, although the victims were Benue indigenes.
The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) denied any involvement in the killings. Its chairman, Mohammed Risku, claimed Fulani herders have also become targets, citing a recent attack in Otukpo that left one Fulani youth dead and two others missing.
A breakdown of violence since April 1 shows widespread killings in at least 10 LGAs, with the Sankera axis (comprising Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum) worst affected. A total of 83 people were killed in that region over five days alone in April. Attacks have also occurred in Otukpo, Gwer East, Gwer West, Apa, Kwande, and Makurdi LGAs.
Security experts, including a retired DSS officer, have urged local communities to fortify vigilante groups and enhance grassroots security measures to stem the ongoing bloodshed.
