Fresh waves of attacks by suspected armed herdsmen have left at least five persons dead and another abducted in Makurdi, Guma, and Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The incidents, which occurred within the last 72 hours, sparked fear and panic across the affected communities, forcing many residents to flee their homes over safety concerns.
In Gwer West Local Government Area, a middle-aged man was reportedly killed while riding his motorcycle along the Agagbe–Abian road. An eyewitness said the victim’s identity had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
The source disclosed that the deceased’s body was later evacuated to a mortuary in Agagbe town, describing the killing as shocking and alarming, especially given the importance of the road.
“That route is one of the busiest in this area because it leads to Naka and other neighbouring communities. With this development, people are now afraid to travel alone on that road,” the eyewitness said.
In a separate incident, four women were reportedly killed in a border settlement between Benue and Nasarawa states, within the Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward area of Guma Local Government Area.
Sources from the area said the women were attacked at a fish pond located around Yandev Mbagwen when suspected armed herdsmen invaded the community with their cattle.
A resident said the women had gone to the pond to fish, fetch water, and wash clothes when the attackers arrived and attempted to chase them away before killing them.
“The women were at the pond when the herders came with their cows. After trying to force them away, they attacked and killed them in cold blood,” the resident said.
He added that the attack had heightened tension in the already volatile border communities, particularly with the increased movement of herders from neighbouring Nasarawa State since the onset of the dry season.
“This incident has thrown the entire community into mourning. People are now afraid to go to their farms or fishing areas for fear of attack,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Makurdi Local Government Area, a man identified simply as Gbawuan from Mbalagh Council Ward was reportedly abducted on Thursday afternoon.
According to a local source, Gbawuan was travelling from Makurdi along the Zongo–Rukubi road when armed herdsmen intercepted him near the Ndor signpost.
“Those who witnessed the incident said the attackers emerged suddenly and forced him away before help could arrive,” the source said.
Security operatives were said to have been alerted immediately and a rescue operation launched, but the victim had yet to be found as of the time of this report.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful.
