The Benue State Police Command has launched an investigation into fresh attacks that left at least five people dead in Ado and Ohimini Local Government Areas of the state.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet confirmed on Wednesday that the command is “on top of the situation” and has begun investigating the incidents, which occurred between Monday and Tuesday.
Armed herders were reported to have invaded Rijo and Anwuel communities, killing residents and forcing many to flee. In Ado LGA, a barber and farmer, Thomas Edeh, was shot dead on his farm in Rijo after repeated disputes with the attackers over stolen crops.
Local leaders condemned the killings, describing them as part of a worsening pattern of violence that has made farming unsafe.
In Ohimini LGA, Chairman Adole Gabriel confirmed that four people were killed in a separate attack and said security forces have been deployed to the affected areas.
Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Lami Danladi Ogenyi, representing Ado, called on security agencies to intensify protection for residents.
The renewed violence comes despite recent federal directives to strengthen security in Benue following earlier mass killings in Yelwata and other communities.
