Renewed Herdsmen Attacks Claim 19 Lives in Benue Communities
A series of coordinated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen have resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals across multiple communities in Benue State. The assaults, which occurred on February 17, 2025, targeted villages in the Otukpo and Kwande Local Government Areas, exacerbating the region’s ongoing security challenges.
In Otukpo LGA, the communities of Okpomaju, Odudaje, and Asa 2 were invaded by gunmen who opened fire indiscriminately, causing residents to flee into nearby forests. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers, numbering over a dozen, stormed the villages in the evening hours, leading to chaos and significant loss of life.
A local resident recounted, “They launched multiple attacks yesterday and came back this evening. While most people have fled, some of us are still here to repel these attacks on our communities.”
Simultaneously, in Kwande LGA, the Turan community faced a brutal onslaught resulting in 18 fatalities. This incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence in the area, with over 79 individuals reportedly killed since May 2024 due to herdsmen-related conflicts.
The President of the Nyiev Ya Development Association, Dr. Joseph Hembafan Akanyi, condemned the attacks and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced security measures, stating that their communities have endured relentless assaults for the past 15 years, leading to significant loss of life and property.
The Benue State Police Command has acknowledged the incidents, with spokesperson SP Anene Sewuese indicating that investigations are underway. However, specific details regarding the perpetrators and their motives remain undisclosed.
In response to the escalating violence, the state government has dispatched high-ranking security personnel, including the commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, the police commissioner, and the director of the Department of State Services, to assess the situation and coordinate intervention efforts.
These recent attacks have intensified calls from local leaders and residents for the federal government to establish permanent security posts in the affected areas, particularly in border communities susceptible to such incursions. The ongoing violence has not only led to tragic loss of life but has also displaced numerous families, disrupting livelihoods and instilling widespread fear among the populace.
As the situation develops, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of the conflict and to implement sustainable security solutions to protect vulnerable communities in Benue State.