23 reported killed as armed herdsmen invade 4 Benue LGAs
At least 23 persons have reportedly been killed in a series of coordinated attacks across four local government areas of Benue State.
The affected local government areas include Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande. Residents told our correspondent that the latest wave of attacks has forced many to flee their communities, as the attacks had become frequent.
The witnesses said that nine people were killed in Logo LGA, eight in Ukum, while Guma and Kwande LGAs each recorded three deaths, bringing the total to 23 fatalities.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday, Dr. Ray Anumve, an indigene of Kwande LGA, said the attacks in his locality were perpetrated by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants who stormed several communities in the Turan area on Friday 9 May 2025.
“Coordinated brutal attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun-speaking assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement.
“The attackers spoke both Fulfulde and Jukun languages,” Anumve said.
He specifically mentioned that the Mbaav Clan in Mbadura Council ward, near the Tse Yande compound and Gusa crossing by River Katsina-Ala, came under attack as the assailants crossed the river and ambushed farmers returning from their fields.
Anumve further explained that one of the victims, identified as Agwei, was killed on the spot, while his brother and son sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
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The indigene, who is founder of the Dr. Ray Anumve Foundation, also disclosed that the attackers struck Anwase in the Mkomon area, Mbaikyor Council ward, where one Iortsor was killed.
He said in a separate incident at Waya in Yaav Council ward, an okada rider was shot in the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude and that he is currently receiving medical attention at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
He said the affected areas have been under frequent assault, with armed invaders reportedly seizing motorcycles from local riders, adding that an earlier attack on the Ikurav-Ya Clan, specifically at Tyuav and Usambe Sha Hua in Liev I ward, left multiple people dead and properties destroyed.
Anumve noted however that, casualty figures and the extent of property damage are still being compiled by locals and community leaders.
In Ukum LGA, a separate source confirmed that nine persons had been officially declared dead, but noted that more bodies were being discovered in the bush following attacks attributed to armed herdsmen.
Police spokesperson for Benue command, CSP Catherine Anene, had yet to respond to calls or messages put through her telephone for confirmation of the incidents.
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