At least 43 people have been confirmed dead following fresh attacks by suspected armed herders in Benue State on Sunday. The assaults targeted communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, marking another wave of violence barely a week after similar attacks claimed over 40 lives, including that of a police officer.
According to multiple sources, Sunday’s attacks resulted in the deaths of a mobile police officer and 41 civilians. In Gwer West, the attackers stormed Tse Antswam, a community near Naka town, around 7 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately on residents.
In Apa LGA, a resident identified as Tony reported that gunmen invaded Edikwu Ankpali around the same time. “Over 25 people were killed in Edikwu Ankpali yesterday (Sunday), and preparations are underway for their burial,” he said.
Confirming the Gwer West incident, the traditional ruler of the area, Ter Nagi, Chief Daniel Abomtse, described the assault as a guerrilla-style ambush.
“As of this morning (Monday), we have recovered 18 bodies, with many others injured—some critically. Many villagers fled into the bush or even jumped into wells to escape. The attackers struck just opposite a military checkpoint along the Naka-Makurdi Road,” he said.
Additional reports suggest that the Opaha community in Apa LGA was also attacked in the early hours of Monday. Former government official John Ikwulono revealed that residents in nearby Odugbo are currently trapped and unable to flee.
“Eleven people from previous attacks in Edikwu have already been buried. The death toll continues to rise,” he added.
Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Ormini, voiced his deep frustration over the recurring violence. “I’m tired of speaking to journalists. Just a week ago, I reported the killing of over 40 people. Today, we’re counting the dead again—14 corpses have been recovered in Naka alone. It keeps getting worse,” he lamented.
His counterpart in Apa, Adams Ocheiga, confirmed the attacks and said he was heading to the affected areas for an on-the-spot assessment.
The Benue State Police Command’s new spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incidents but withheld casualty figures pending further verification.
“There were attacks yesterday in Naka and Apa. Tactical teams have been deployed to the locations and are already on ground. I will provide accurate casualty figures once full details are available,” she said.
