Rampaging armed herdsmen have again killed at least 23 persons in four local government areas of Benue State.
The coordinated attacks, which occurred in Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande LGAs, took place over the weekend.
An eyewitness told Daily Trust that nine people were killed in Logo LGA, eight in Ukum, while Guma and Kwande LGAs each recorded three deaths, bringing the total to 23 fatalities.
Dr. Ray Anumve, an indigene of Kwande LGA, confirmed to journalists that the attacks in his locality were perpetrated by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants who stormed several communities in the Turan area on Friday, May 9, 2025.
“Coordinated brutal attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun-speaking assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement.
“The attackers spoke both Fulfulde and Jukun languages,” Anumve said.
According to him, one of the victims, a farmer identified as Agwei, was killed on the spot, while his brother and son sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
The indigene, who is founder of the Dr. Ray Anumve Foundation, also disclosed that the attackers struck Anwase in the Mkomon area, Mbaikyor Council Ward, where one Iortsor was killed.
He said in a separate incident at Waya in Yaav Council Ward, a motorcycle rider was shot in the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude and that he is currently receiving medical attention at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
According to him, the affected areas have been under frequent assault, with armed invaders reportedly seizing motorcycles from local riders, adding that an earlier attack on the Ikurav-Ya Clan, specifically at Tyuav and Usambe Sha Hua in Liev I Ward, left multiple people dead and properties destroyed.
Anumve noted however that casualty figures and the extent of property damage are still being compiled by locals and community leaders.
In Ukum LGA, a separate source confirmed that nine persons had been officially declared dead, but noted that more bodies were being discovered in the bush following attacks attributed to armed herdsmen.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information in Benue State, Matthew Abo, an indigene of Ukum, confirmed to journalists in Makurdi that that eight farmers were killed on Saturday morning in his home LGA while on their way to the farm.