Over 60 Killed in Benue State Amid Herdsmen Attacks

Written by Jerry Alomatu on June 3, 2025

News Views: 832

Makurdi – Benue State was plunged into a wave of violence over the weekend as separate incidents involving armed herdsmen and communal clashes claimed the lives of over 60 people across three local government areas.

In Apa and Gwer West LGAs, coordinated attacks by armed herders resulted in the death of at least 46 individuals. The first wave of violence began in Ijaha Ibele Ochekwu, Apa LGA, where gunmen reportedly killed two residents and injured several others. Later that day, a more extensive assault was launched on Edikwu Ankpali community, leaving scores of civilians dead, including women and children.

Reports from the area indicate that the herders returned in the evening and opened fire on fleeing residents. At least 28 bodies were said to have been recovered from the scene, with many others hospitalized due to gunshot wounds.

In a separate incident on the same day, gunmen attacked Tse Antswam in Naka, Gwer West LGA. The area, known to host thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), descended into chaos as assailants reportedly fired indiscriminately for nearly two hours. The assault left over 18 dead, many injured, and several missing.

Community leaders described the attackers as adopting guerrilla tactics. Residents have continued to search the surrounding forests for missing persons, some of whom fled with gunshot injuries or hid in wells to escape the attackers.

The attack occurred close to a military checkpoint on the Naka-Makurdi road, raising questions about the security presence in the region.

In a related but separate development, at least 15 people were killed and nearly 200 homes destroyed in a communal conflict between the Mbakine and Ojumole communities in Gwer East LGA.

The violence reportedly erupted from a dispute between two youths during a marketplace encounter, spiraling into a broader ethnic clash between the Igede and Tiv populations of the area.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the Ojumole community suffered significant destruction, with entire sections of the village razed. The affected communities, which had coexisted peacefully for over a century, are now facing a humanitarian crisis due to displacement and destruction.

Local officials and representatives have since engaged with the affected communities in efforts to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution. A meeting has reportedly been convened at the council headquarters in Aliade to mediate between the parties.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incidents, stating that tactical teams have been deployed to the affected areas and are working to stabilize the situation. Further updates are expected as investigations continue.