In a devastating escalation of violence, at least 42 people were killed and several others abducted in a series of coordinated attacks on rural communities in Benue State, Nigeria, over a two-day period. The assaults, which occurred between Thursday and Friday, targeted villages in Katsina-Ala and Gwer West Local Government Areas, leaving a trail of destruction and deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Katsina-Ala: Early Morning Raids Leave 36 Dead
Residents of Shikaan, Mbagena, and Kpav villages in Katsina-Ala reported that armed assailants, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, launched early morning raids on Thursday. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 individuals. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as villagers fled their homes amidst the gunfire. A military source, however, reported a lower death toll of 19 and attributed the violence to local bandits, highlighting the challenges in obtaining accurate casualty figures in such volatile situations.
Gwer West: Highway Ambushes and Abductions
In Gwer West, six people were reportedly killed, and numerous others abducted along the Makurdi–Naka road on Friday. The attackers ambushed travelers and villagers, with reports indicating that a woman and her child were among those kidnapped. The local council chairman, Mrs. Grace Igbabon, confirmed the attacks and noted that there was an exchange of gunfire between the assailants and villagers in Mbakpa village, resulting in additional casualties.
Government Response and Ongoing Insecurity
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks as “heinous acts” and a stark reminder of the pervasive violence and lawlessness plaguing the region. He emphasized the need for enhanced security measures and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice. The governor also highlighted the ongoing tensions between herders and farmers over land and water resources, which have been a significant source of conflict in the state.
These attacks are part of a broader pattern of violence in Benue State, where clashes between nomadic herders and farming communities have escalated in recent years. In March 2024, similar attacks in the region resulted in the deaths of 16 villagers in the Wa-ndoo community of Gwer-East Local Government Area. Governor Alia has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and has directed security operatives to arrest the criminal herders responsible for the attacks.
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As the state mourns the loss of its citizens, the broader Nigerian society grapples with the challenge of restoring peace and preventing future atrocities. The need for lasting solutions to address the root causes of this violence—such as land disputes, ethnic tensions, and inadequate security infrastructure—has become increasingly urgent.
This report is based on information available as of May 27, 2025.
