Nigeria: Herdsmen, bandits kill three in Benue as violence intensifies
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Benue State continues to face unrelenting violence as armed herdsmen and bandits launch repeated attacks on communities, leaving residents frightened and vulnerable. At least 53 people have reportedly lost their lives since the beginning of the year.
In Kwande Local Government Area, two traders returning from the Jato-Aka Market were ambushed on Saturday. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to be herdsmen, shot the victims and inflicted multiple machete wounds before leaving them for dead. Their bodies were later found in pools of blood.
A former Supervisory Councillor in the area, Lawrence Akerigba, described the killings as horrific and deeply unsettling. He said the frequency and brutality of the attacks amount to terrorism. The Chairman of Kwande LGA, Yarkwan Tersua, also confirmed the incident and expressed concern that the violence has continued unabated. He hinted that the pattern of attacks may have religious undertones and urged the federal government to intervene urgently.
In another incident in Zaki-Biam, Logo Local Government Area, a young female POS operator was killed by suspected bandits who rode into the Hausa Quarters on motorbikes. Witnesses said the assailants shot the woman, took money from her, and fired several warning shots before escaping. She was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead.
The violence has been especially severe in Tombo community, also in Logo LGA, where over 50 residents have reportedly been killed since the start of 2025. During a condolence visit by Senator Emmanuel Udende, community leaders—including Joseph Tsavsar, Tiza Job, and a traditional ruler—described the devastation their people have suffered.
According to them, homes and farmlands worth millions of naira have been destroyed, and the once-thriving community known for supplying food to the state is now overwhelmed by insecurity. They pleaded with the government and security agencies to step in and bring the killings to an end.
Senator Udende, accompanied by his aides, assured the community of his support and emphasized that completing the Police Barracks at Ayilamo would improve security in the area. He urged residents to remain patient, noting that efforts to restore peace were ongoing.
As of the time of this report, the Benue State Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to calls or messages seeking clarification about the incidents.
