At least 23 people have been killed in coordinated attacks across four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, with local residents blaming armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants for the wave of violence.
The affected LGAs—Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande—have seen rising insecurity in recent weeks, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes in search of safety.
In Kwande LGA, Dr. Ray Anumve, a community leader and founder of the Dr. Ray Anumve Foundation, said the attacks took place on Friday, May 9, in several communities within the Turan area. Armed men reportedly speaking Fulfulde and Jukun languages stormed farmlands and homes, killing at least three people, including a farmer named Agwei. His brother and son were seriously injured and are being treated in Jato-Aka.
Another victim, Iortsor, was killed in Mkomon area, while in Yaav Council Ward, a motorcycle rider suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach and is also receiving treatment.
Anumve said the attackers have been seizing motorcycles and destroying property, with many communities under constant fear of renewed violence. He added that full casualty figures and the extent of damage are still being compiled by local leaders.
In Ukum LGA, at least eight people were killed during an early morning raid on Saturday, May 10, in Jootar town. The victims included Jonathan Ordooga, Cheater Torse, and others. Locals believe the death toll may rise, as more bodies are being discovered in nearby bushes.
State Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo—who hails from Ukum—confirmed the killings but said it was unclear whether the attackers were herdsmen or involved in an ongoing communal clash between the Tiv and Jukun people.
In Guma LGA, tensions are rising in Yelewata, a border town between Benue and Nasarawa states. Residents fear a planned invasion by armed herdsmen after a youth was attacked with a machete on May 8. Three people were also killed in Ukpiam on May 9, while other areas such as Umenger and Mbawa Mbanyiar also reported assaults, injuries, and robberies.
Nine deaths were also recorded in Logo LGA, with local sources confirming the attacks but providing limited details.
The recent violence has deepened the humanitarian crisis in Benue, a state long affected by clashes between farmers and herdsmen, along with communal tensions. Many residents are calling on the government to step up security and bring the attackers to justice.