Fresh violence has erupted in Benue State, as the Police Command confirmed deadly attacks by suspected herdsmen on Sunday night in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, leaving dozens dead and many missing.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edit Udeme, disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi that tactical units had been swiftly dispatched to the affected areas to stabilize the situation and protect residents.
According to her, nine bodies have been recovered so far from Edikwu in Apa LGA, while search operations continue for those reported missing.
She further noted that the death toll in Naka, Gwer West LGA, had not yet been confirmed, promising that updates would follow as more information becomes available.
A local resident from Apa described the assault as “sudden and unprovoked.” The attackers reportedly stormed the village around 6:30 p.m., indiscriminately opening fire and killing anyone in sight.
“It was an unprovoked attack. Some residents were at evening church service, while others relaxed at a beer joint when the attackers arrived. Security operatives in the area were overwhelmed and appeared helpless,” the source said.
The eyewitness added that over 25 people were killed in the onslaught, with others abducted and taken to unknown locations. The scene, the source said, was “utterly devastating,” leaving nothing intact in the village.
In Gwer West, the Chairman of the Traditional Council, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed that Tse Antswam was targeted in a guerrilla-style strike.
By Monday morning, 18 corpses had been recovered, with many others sustaining life-threatening injuries.
“The brutality was unimaginable. Some victims were so badly butchered that their survival is uncertain. The search is ongoing because many fled into the bush with gunshot wounds, while others reportedly jumped into wells to escape,” said Chief Abomtse.
He also expressed alarm that the attacked community lies directly across from a military checkpoint along the Naka-Makurdi Road, raising serious concerns over the adequacy of current security arrangements.
Police authorities have assured the public that intensive efforts are underway to restore normalcy and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
