Just in: Fresh herdsmen terrorists attacks kill 23 in four Benue LGAs

DDM News

No fewer than 23 people have been confirmed dead following a fresh wave of coordinated attacks by armed herdsmen across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Benue State.

Benue is a State in the North Central region of Nigeria.

The affected LGAs include Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered from local sources that the attacks occurred between May 8 and May 10, 2025, leading to deaths, injuries, and mass displacement of residents.

Eyewitness accounts say the attackers spoke Fulfulde and Jukun languages, suggesting collaboration between armed herdsmen and other ethnic militias.

In Kwande LGA, multiple communities were reportedly overrun by heavily armed assailants who crossed River Katsina-Ala to attack farmers.

A resident of Kwande, Ray Anumve, told journalists in Makurdi that the attacks were deliberate and highly organized.

He revealed that the assaults targeted Turan communities in Mbaav Clan, Mbadura Council Ward, near Tse Yande compound, and Gusa Crossing.

The attackers reportedly ambushed farmers who were returning from their fields.

During the incident, a man named Agwei was killed. His brother and son were both injured and are currently receiving treatment at a local clinic in Jato-Aka.

Anumve also reported that another assault took place in Anwase, Mkomon Area, Mbaikyor Council Ward, where a man named Mr. Iortsor was killed.

In Waya, Yaav Council Ward, a motorcycle rider was shot in the stomach, causing severe internal injury with his intestines protruding. He is currently being treated at a clinic in Jato-Aka.

In Ukum LGA, residents of Jootar community came under attack on the morning of Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Eight people were killed in the assault.

The victims were identified as Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa, and Orfega Atuku.

Logo LGA recorded nine deaths, according to witnesses, while Guma and Kwande LGAs each reported at least three fatalities.

In Guma, tension is mounting in Yelewata, Nyiev Council Ward, where armed militias are reportedly moving in from Nasarawa State.

A youth, identified only as Paul, told journalists that the situation worsened after a youth from the area was attacked with a machete on May 8.

The victim is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Makurdi.

Another resident of Guma, who requested anonymity, confirmed daily attacks in the area.

He reported that on May 9, Ukpiam in Mababai Council Ward was attacked, and three people were killed.

The next day, Umenger in Mbadwem Council Ward came under attack, although the number of casualties is yet to be determined.

The resident lamented that despite it being farming season, most villagers have abandoned their homes and farmlands out of fear.

He added that although security agencies are present in the affected areas, their efforts have so far failed to stop the attackers.

Benue State has long been one of Nigeria’s epicenters of violent conflict between farmers and herders.

The crisis, rooted in disputes over land use and grazing routes, has worsened over the years, with increased access to arms among non-state actors.

Despite the deployment of security forces and the enactment of anti-open grazing laws, the killings have continued unabated.

The latest attacks underline the urgent need for coordinated security operations and political will to restore peace in Benue State and the wider Middle Belt region.

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