One person has been killed following a fresh attack by suspected armed herders along the Agagbe–Naka–Agatu axis in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident has once again raised concerns about security and safety in rural communities affected by recurring violence in the state.
Security sources said the attack happened on January 27 at about 6:01 pm along the Agagbe–Naka Road, a major route used by residents and traders moving between communities in the area. The victim was identified as Iorsugh Genabe, a resident of Naka town.
According to the sources, military personnel on duty in the area raised an alarm after receiving information about the attack. A distress call was immediately placed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Naka Division, alerting him that a civilian had been attacked and killed by suspected herder bandits while travelling on the road.
The DPO was said to have quickly mobilised police patrol teams, supported by other tactical security units, to the scene of the incident. When officers arrived, they confirmed that the victim had already died from injuries sustained during the attack.
Police authorities later recovered the body of the deceased and deposited it at the Agagbe mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be carried out. The police said this was necessary as part of the investigation into the killing.
Further information from security sources revealed that efforts are ongoing to track down the attackers. The Benue State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the case to carry out a discreet and detailed investigation. Officers are said to be working with other security agencies and local informants to identify and arrest those responsible.
In response to the incident, security presence has been strengthened along the Agagbe–Naka–Agatu axis and nearby communities. Checkpoints and patrols have been increased to prevent further attacks and to reassure residents who now live in fear.
The killing has caused fresh tension in the area, with many residents expressing worry over their safety, especially those who rely on the road for daily movement and business. Some residents said the road has become increasingly dangerous in recent months due to repeated attacks linked to armed groups.
Benue State has for years been one of the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s farmer-herder conflict. The crisis, which often involves clashes between farming communities and nomadic herders, has led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands of people.
Gwer West Local Government Area, in particular, has experienced several violent incidents in the past. Communities along the Agagbe, Naka, and Agatu axis have reported attacks that residents often blame on armed herders. These attacks usually occur on farmlands, villages, or major roads, leaving people dead or injured.
The conflict is often linked to disputes over land use, grazing routes, and access to water. While many herders are peaceful, armed criminal elements have taken advantage of the situation to carry out attacks, kidnappings, and robberies. This has worsened mistrust between communities and made peace efforts difficult.
Over the years, the Benue State Government has introduced measures aimed at addressing the crisis, including the anti-open grazing law, which prohibits open grazing of livestock in the state. The law was designed to reduce clashes by encouraging ranching. However, enforcement challenges and resistance from some groups have limited its impact.
Security agencies have also carried out several operations in the state to flush out armed groups and restore peace. Despite these efforts, sporadic attacks continue, especially in rural areas where security coverage is limited.
Residents of Gwer West say the latest killing is a reminder that more needs to be done to protect lives and property. Some community leaders have called on the government to deploy more security personnel and improve intelligence gathering to prevent attacks before they happen.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said people now avoid travelling in the evening for fear of being attacked. “Once it is getting late, nobody wants to be on that road. This death has made people more afraid,” he said.
The police have assured the public that they are committed to bringing the perpetrators of the latest attack to justice. They urged residents to remain calm and to provide useful information that could help security agencies in their investigation.