At least 61 people were reportedly killed over the weekend in multiple violent incidents across Benue State, as communities in Apa, Gwer West, and Gwer East Local Government Areas came under deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen and warring youth groups.
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In Apa and Gwer West LGAs, no fewer than 46 persons lost their lives following separate invasions by suspected herders. In Apa LGA, the attacks began on Sunday afternoon when gunmen stormed Ijaha Ibele Ochekwu community, killing two and injuring several others. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants returned later that evening around 5 p.m. to launch a full-scale assault on Edikwu Ankpali community.
“They shot and killed the defenceless people including women and children who were running for their lives. The attack was totally unprovoked,” a local source told reporters.
As of Monday morning, 28 bodies had been recovered, with many more residents severely wounded and receiving treatment in various hospitals.
On the same day, around 7 p.m., suspected herdsmen reportedly attacked Tse Antswam community in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA. The area, home to thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), descended into chaos as the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately.
An eyewitness said the attack, which lasted over two hours, claimed at least 18 lives, while many others sustained life-threatening injuries or were reported missing.
Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the attack, stating, “As I am talking to you now, 18 corpses have been recovered, and many people sustained varying degrees of injuries. Some people were butchered so badly, I doubt if they will survive.”
Chief Abomtse also noted with concern that the attacked community lies directly opposite a military checkpoint on the Naka-Makurdi Road.
Meanwhile, another 15 persons were killed in a separate communal clash in Gwer East LGA between the Mbakine and Ojumole communities. The crisis, which began as a minor dispute between two youths at a marketplace on Friday, spiralled into full-blown violence by the weekend. According to eyewitness accounts, more than 200 houses were set ablaze during the conflict.
Igede Youth Leader, Andyson Egbodo, expressed dismay at the level of destruction and loss of life, describing the violence as unprecedented in a region known for interethnic harmony between Igede and Tiv communities.
“In that LGA, the Akpacha Council Ward is an Igede-speaking community and they have all been living peacefully with their Tiv neighbours for over 100 years,” Egbodo said. “It all started on Friday and escalated to Saturday. The entire Ojumole was burnt down, and 15 persons were killed, including women and children.”
He added that swift intervention by local leaders, including the Gwer East LGA chairman and lawmakers, has led to peace meetings being scheduled in Aliade, the council headquarters.
Confirming the attacks, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, said tactical teams have been deployed and are already on the ground. “They are on top of the situation. I will get back to you after getting further and accurate information,” he stated.
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