Tragedy as 48 farmers killed in 2 Benue communities

Benue State has once again been plunged into mourning following a deadly attack by suspected armed herders in the early hours of Sunday.

The brutal assault, which targeted communities in Gwer-West and Apa Local Government Areas, claimed the lives of at least 48 farmers.

According to reports, the assailants stormed the villages while residents were still asleep, unleashing chaos and bloodshed. Dozens of people were left injured, and many more are still unaccounted for as families search desperately for their loved ones.

This horrific incident comes just one week after a similar massacre in Gwer-West, where 42 individuals—including a police officer, pregnant women, and nursing mothers—were killed in cold blood. That attack also struck the hometown of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, deepening the sorrow and outrage within the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the suspected assailants said to be Fulani herders on Sunday night, invaded Tse Antswam, a suburb of Naka town around 7pm and shot indiscriminately leading to the death of 18 farmers.

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A local source in Apa LG who simply identified himself as Inalegwu said the gunmen stormed Edikwu Ankpali community around the 7pm simultaneously as they were attacking Gwer-West community.

Inalegwu who spoke to our correspondent on the phone on Monday said, “over 30 people at Edikwu Ankpali, including women and children were killed yesterday (Sunday).”

When contacted, the Chairman Gwer-West traditional council, the Ter Nagi, HRH Daniel Abomtse who confirmed the attack, said the attackers came in a guerrilla style and attacked Tse Antswam.

According to him, “As I’m talking to you now, (Monday) morning, 18 corpses have been recovered and many people were seriously injured while scored are still missing.

“In fact, the way some people were butchered, I doubt if they will survive. Search is still on because many ran into the bush with gun wounds and some also entered the well to escape the herdsmen,” the monarch said.

The monarch said that the community attacked was opposite a military checkpoint along Naka/ Makurdi Road without military intervention to save the residents.

Also confirming the attack, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormini expressed deep sadness and worries about the incessant killing of his people.

According to him, “This is becoming another thing, just last week over 40 people were killed in this local government, instead of abating, it’s getting worse. The same Fulanis came and attacked, this time, it’s Naka town as of now, over 14 corpses have been recovered.”

Also the Chairman of Apa LGA, Adams Ocheiga who confirmed the attack said he was just heading to the community for on-the-spot assessment and promised to get back when he returned.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, DSP Udeme Edet who confirmed the attack on the two LGAs did not give a casualty figure but promised to get back.

“This is to confirm that there was an attack yesterday (Sunday) in Naka and Apa, and to let you know that tactical teams have been deployed already on the ground and are on top of the situation.”