Just 48 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State to address the state’s deepening security crisis, suspected herdsmen launched a deadly assault on the Wannune community in Tarka Local Government Area — the hometown of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
Eyewitnesses and local sources reported that the attack resulted in multiple fatalities and left several others injured. However, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed at the time of this report.
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the area described the situation as “chaotic and terrifying.” According to the corps member, many residents fled into nearby bushes in search of safety. “Everyone is running into the bushes for safety. Please let Nigerians pray for us. The herdsmen are ravaging the environment now,” the corps member said in a distressed message, appealing for immediate security intervention.
This attack comes on the heels of President Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue, where he condemned the persistent violence and instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to pursue those behind the killings. His visit followed the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 lives were reportedly lost, sparking national outrage.
The renewed violence in Wannune casts doubt on the effectiveness of federal directives and raises urgent questions about the government’s ability to secure communities caught in the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers. As of now, security forces have not issued an official statement on the incident, while local residents continue to demand a stronger military presence and sustainable solutions to end the bloodshed.
