Herdsmen sack 4 Benue LGAs, kill 23

At least 23 persons have been killed in fresh attacks on four Local Government Areas (LGAs) —Guma, Logo, Ukum and Kwande — in Benue State, reports are saying.

It was gathered that most residents have fled their communities as the attacks have become a daily occurrence.

According to witnesses, while nine persons were killed in Logo LGA, eight others were killed in Ukum, along with three persons in Guma and Kwande LGAs respectively.

Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, Ray Anumve who hails from Kwande LGA said the fresh attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected militants on who unleashed mayhem on Turan Communities on May 9, 2025.

He told newsmen that on Friday, May 9 2025, “coordinated brutal attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and other assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA of Benue State, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement. The assailants spoke Fulfulde and Jukun, he noted.

He said Mbaav Clan, Mbadura Council Ward, near Tse Yande compound, Gusa crossing, River Katsina-Ala was attacked as the assailants crossed the river and attacked farmers who were returning from their farms.

He said Agwei, a farmer was killed while his brother and son were left with varying degrees of injury and are both receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.

He said they also attack Anwase, Mkomon Area, Mbaikyor Council Ward killing one Mr. Iortsor, while at at Waya, Yaav Council Ward, a motorcycle rider was shot in the stomach, resulting in protrusion of his intestines. He is receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.

Our source, who is the founder of Dr Ray Anumve Foundation, said the area has reportedly been under frequent harassment with attackers seizing motorcycles from riders.

In Ukum LG, a source also confirmed that nine persons have been confirmed dead while more dead bodies are being recovered from the bush.

The Ukum attack reported took place on Saturday morning, May 10, 2025 in Jootar claiming the lives of Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa and Orfega Atuku.

A youth who identified himself as Paul, also told newsmen that there is serious tension in Yelewata, Nyiev Council Ward of Guma LGA, where armed militias are reportedly trooping in from Nasarawa State, allegedly planning an attack on the community.

He said the tension escalated after they macheted a youth from the community on May 8, 2025. “The victim is currently battling for his life at a government hospital in Makurdi.

Another resident of Guma LGA who didn’t want to be named for fear of victimization confirmed attacks in the LG saying it has become a daily tragedy.

He said May 9, Ukpiam in Mababai council ward was attacked killing three people and while on May 10, 2025, Umenger in Mbadwem Council Ward was attacked. “But for Umenger, I have not received reports yet on the casualties.

He lamented that the people have fled their homes even though it’s a farming season. According to him, the security agencies who are on ground are trying their best to ensure that the herders pullout from the communities.