At least 23 persons have been reportedly killed in separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State. The communities that witnessed the attacks in the last 24 hours were in Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande LGAs.

A source in Kwande LGA, Dr. Ray Anumve, disclosed that armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants attacked Turan communities in Kwande LGA, killing nine persons. “The coordinated bloody attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun-speaking assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA of the State, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement,” Anumve said.

The assailants were said to have spoken Fulfulde and Jukun, and attacked farmers who were returning from their farms. “They also attack Anwase, Mkomon Area, Mbaikyor Council Ward, killing one Mr. Iortsor, while at Waya, Yaav Council Ward, a motorcycle rider was shot in the stomach, resulting in protrusion of his intestines,” Anumve added.

In Ukum LGA, nine persons were confirmed dead, with more dead bodies being recovered from the bush. The victims included Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa, and Orfega Atuku.

The attacks have caused widespread fear and displacement, with many people fleeing their homes despite it being the farming season. A source in Guma LGA said there was mounting tension in Yelewata, Nyiev Council Ward, following the flooding of the community by armed herdsmen from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

The Benue State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Mathew Abor, confirmed the attack in Ukum LGA but said he could not ascertain those responsible for the killing. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful.