A fresh wave of violence in Benue State has claimed the lives of a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, James Akase, and three others in separate attacks by suspected armed herders.
Akase, who once led the PDP in his ward—Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward in Gwer West Local Government Area—was reportedly killed on Monday while returning to his ancestral home to gather food for his displaced family.
Local sources say Akase had been living in displacement after herders took over his community. He was shot dead by the attackers who had occupied the area.
On the same day, three other individuals were killed in Guma LGA, in coordinated attacks on Tse Ikpe Ago along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward.
A public affairs analyst, Samuel Aondohemba, described the attacks as “unprovoked and coordinated,” adding that several others were injured and are receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.
“These senseless killings are yet another painful reminder of the unending bloodshed our people in Benue State continue to endure,” he said.
Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Ormin, confirmed the death of Akase, stating he was attacked while trying to get food from his farm. Ormin also disclosed that another man kidnapped in the area on the same day was released after his family paid a ransom.
Attempts to reach the Guma LGA Chairman, Maurice Orwough, and the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as of press time.
Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s hotspots for deadly clashes between farmers and herders, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises in many local communities.