Who’s Protecting Benue? Killings Mount, Military Silent
Benue State was plunged into mourning over the weekend as a wave of violent attacks claimed the lives of at least 61 people across three Local Government Areas: Apa, Gwer West, and Gwer East. The killings were carried out by suspected armed herdsmen and clashing youth factions, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed, destruction, and fear.
In Apa and Gwer West LGAs, 46 lives were lost in separate assaults. The violence began Sunday afternoon in Ijaha Ibele Ochekwu, where gunmen reportedly stormed the community, killing two and injuring several. Hours later, the attackers returned with intensified force, targeting the Edikwu Ankpali community.
“They killed helpless people, even women and children who were just trying to escape,” a local source told reporters. “It was unprovoked.”
By Monday morning, 28 bodies had been recovered, while many more victims were hospitalized with serious injuries.
That same evening, terror spread to Tse Antswam in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West. Suspected herdsmen opened fire for over two hours in a community already sheltering thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The attack claimed at least 18 lives, with dozens wounded or missing.
Chief Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, confirmed the toll. “Some victims were butchered so badly, I fear they may not survive,” he said, adding that the attack occurred just opposite a military checkpoint along the Naka-Makurdi Road.
Meanwhile, in Gwer East LGA, a violent dispute between youth from the Mbakine and Ojumole communities escalated into a full-blown communal war. What began as a market altercation on Friday erupted into deadly conflict by Saturday, resulting in 15 deaths and the destruction of over 200 homes.
Igede Youth Leader Andyson Egbodo expressed shock at the unprecedented scale of violence between historically peaceful Tiv and Igede neighbors. “The whole of Ojumole was burned to the ground,” he said. “Even women and children were not spared.”
He noted that local authorities and lawmakers have initiated peace efforts, with reconciliation meetings scheduled in Aliade, the council headquarters.
Police spokesperson SP Udeme Edet confirmed the incidents, stating that tactical units have been deployed. “They’re on the ground and handling the situation. We’ll provide updates as accurate information becomes available,” he said.
