Benue State is once again reeling under a wave of violent attacks as armed herdsmen and bandits continue to terrorise rural communities, leaving at least 53 people dead and thousands living in fear. What began as isolated incidents has escalated into an ongoing siege with no clear end in sight.
In Kwande Local Government Area, two traders returning from the Jato-Aka Market were ambushed on Saturday along the Nzaav route in Yaav Council Ward. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, suspected to be herdsmen, shot the victims before inflicting multiple machete wounds. Their bodies were later discovered in pools of blood, prompting widespread panic among residents.
Lawrence Akerigba, a former Supervisory Councillor in Kwande, described the killings as deeply disturbing. According to him, the brutality leaves no doubt that the attackers intend to instil fear across the communities. Kwande LGA Chairman, Yarkwan Tersua, confirmed the incident and expressed concern about what he suggested might be religious undertones in the renewed violence. He called for urgent federal intervention to protect vulnerable residents and restore peace.
A similar tragedy unfolded in Zaki-Biam, Logo LGA, where a young female POS operator was shot dead by suspected bandits who rode into Hausa Quarters on motorbikes. Witnesses said the assailants seized cash, shot sporadically to scare bystanders, and fled immediately. The victim was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, the Tombo community in Logo LGA remains in mourning as over 50 residents have been killed since the beginning of 2025. During a condolence visit by Senator Emmanuel Udende, community leaders—including Joseph Tsavsar, Tiza Job, and a traditional ruler—recounted the scale of devastation. Homes, farmlands, and livelihoods worth millions have been destroyed, turning a once food-producing community into a distressed settlement struggling for survival.
“Our people are being slaughtered, our farms destroyed, and our homes burnt. Tombo is no longer what it used to be,” the leaders lamented, urging government and security agencies to act swiftly.
Senator Udende, accompanied by aides Abancha Tsenongo, Martins Agir, and Asawa Moses, assured the community that steps were being taken to bolster security. He noted that the completion of the Ayilamo Police Barracks would significantly boost response capacity and help stem the killings. He urged residents to remain calm as security operations intensify.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to calls or messages seeking official comment on the series of attacks.
Across Benue, communities remain tense and fearful, calling on both state and federal authorities to act decisively to protect lives, restore peace, and bring an end to the relentless cycle of violence.
