Suspected bandits murder 2 in Benue community

Tension has gripped residents of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State following the killing of two individuals by suspected armed bandits on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, one of the victims was gunned down at Atukpu village, barely a kilometre from Naka—the LGA’s headquarters—along the busy Taraku-Naka Road. The second victim was reportedly murdered on the same day along the Naka-Adoka Road.

Locals who spoke to Daily Trust expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the region. All three major roads leading into Naka town have become increasingly perilous, with frequent attacks by bandits leaving residents in fear for their lives.

Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, confirmed the killings and lamented the deteriorating security situation in the area.

“A young man was attacked and killed while returning from getting materials to roof his house along Taraku-Naka Road. Another person was similarly killed on the Adoka-Naka Road on the same day. These attacks have become daily occurrences,” Ormin said.

He added, “The Makurdi-Naka Road is already unsafe, and now the other roads are no longer secure. Naka itself is under threat-these incidents are happening within five kilometres of the town.”

Ormin expressed concern that the security operatives on the ground may be overwhelmed, despite the efforts by Governor Hyacinth Alia to curb the wave of violence.

As of the time of filing this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, had yet to respond to inquiries about the incident.