Herdsmen, Bandits kill 53 in renewed Benue attacks

By Obasola Olatunde 

Benue State is reeling from a fresh wave of deadly attacks after armed herdsmen and bandits killed at least 53 people across Kwande and Logo Local Government Areas, plunging residents into fear and uncertainty.

In Kwande LGA, two traders returning from the Jato-Aka Market were ambushed on Saturday near Nzaav community in Yaav Council Ward. Eyewitnesses said the attackers, suspected to be herdsmen, shot the victims and inflicted multiple machete wounds. Their bodies were later found “lying in pools of blood,” a resident disclosed.

Former Supervisory Councillor, Lawrence Akerigba, described the killings as horrific. “This is nothing but terrorism. The bodies were badly mutilated and the attacks keep happening,” he said.

Chairman of Kwande LGA, Yarkwan Tersua, confirmed the incident, lamenting the recurring violence and warning that the pattern suggested possible religious undertones. He appealed for urgent federal intervention to protect vulnerable communities.

In Zaki Biam, Logo LGA, a young female POS operator was shot dead by bandits who stormed her shop in Hausa Quarters on motorbikes. Witnesses said the gunmen seized cash and fired several shots in the air before fleeing. The victim was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, Logo’s Tombo community continues to mourn the deaths of over 50 residents since the beginning of 2025. Community leaders, including Joseph Tsavsar, Tiza Job, and a traditional ruler, raised the alarm during a condolence visit by Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East).

“More than 50 of our people have been killed. Homes and farms worth millions have been destroyed. A community that once fed the state is becoming a shadow of itself,” they lamented.

Senator Udende, accompanied by aides Abancha Tsenongo, Martins Agir, and Asawa Moses, assured the villagers of his commitment to improving security. He said the completion of the Ayilamo Police Barracks would help curb the persistent attacks and urged residents to remain patient.

Communities across Benue remain tense, pleading for urgent and decisive action from security agencies and the government to halt the mounting casualties.