At least seven people were killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herders in Benue State.
The attacks occurred in two Local Government Areas, Buruku and Gwer West, between Sunday and early Monday, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers
This incident follows the recent killings of 23 persons in Guma, Kwande, and Ukum LGAs over the weekend.
The rising wave of violence has left communities in mourning and heightened fears across the affected regions.
Chairman of Buruku LGA, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoakura, confirmed the attack in Mbakundu community, Mbaya Council Ward.
He said five people were killed, including four young men and a little girl, during the early Monday attack.
The chairman added that the discovered bodies have been deposited in the mortuary for further identification and preservation.
“Yes, they killed four young men and one little girl,” Aondoakura told journalists during a phone conversation.
In Gwer West LGA, Chairman Victor Ormin Torsar reported that two persons were killed on Sunday.
He responded by announcing a restriction on movement in and out of Gwer West LGA from 6:30 p.m.
The directive, issued through his media aide Timothy Ajieje, took immediate effect for security reasons.
The chairman stated the restriction would remain until the security situation in the area improves significantly.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness, Mr. Gbakaan Kumzzy, shared details of the Buruku attack via a telephone conversation.
He said the assailants stormed the community at exactly 12:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and causing panic.
Gbakaan confirmed that five lifeless bodies, including that of a child, have been recovered so far.
He added that the search is ongoing for residents who went missing during the midnight assault.
“As we speak, five bodies have been found, and we are still searching for the missing,” he said.
Mr. Gbakaan condemned the silence and inaction of government authorities concerning the persistent killings in Buruku.
He called on the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to intervene and stop the violence.
He also urged the Buruku Council Chairman to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed in the community.
Efforts to reach Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for confirmation were unsuccessful at press time.
She neither answered her phone nor responded to text messages regarding the latest incidents in the state.
The repeated attacks have triggered calls for stronger security in Benue’s rural communities, especially in conflict-prone areas.
Many residents are living in fear, uncertain when or where the next violent strike might occur.
They are demanding immediate and decisive action from the government to protect lives and restore lasting peace.
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