Gunmen have reportedly killed at least 23 persons in different attacks in Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande.m Local Government Areas of Benue State.
Locals said the attacks had become frequent this forcing many to flee their communities.
They said nine people were killed in Logo LGA, eight in Ukum, while Guma and Kwande LGAs each recorded three deaths.
Saturday, An indigene of Kwande LGA, Dr. Ray Anumve, on Saturday said the attacks in his locality were perpetrated by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants who stormed several communities in Turan area on Friday, May 9, 2025.
“Coordinated brutal attacks were carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun-speaking assailants across multiple locations in Turan, Kwande LGA, resulting in deaths, injuries, and displacement.
“The attackers spoke both Fulfulde and Jukun languages,” Anumve said.
He said the Mbaav Clan in Mbadura Council Ward, near the Tse Yande compound and Gusa crossing by River Katsina-Ala, came under attack as the assailants crossed the river and ambushed farmers returning from their fields.
Anumve said one of the victims, a farmer identified as Agwei, was killed on the spot, while his brother and son were wounded and are currently receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
The indigene, who is founder of the Dr. Ray Anumve Foundation, said the attackers invaded Anwase in Mkomon area, Mbaikyor Council Ward, where one Iortsor was killed.
According to him, the gunmen attacked Waya in Yaav Council Ward, and shot a motorcycle rider in the stomach, causing his intestines to protrude and that he is currently receiving medical attention at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
He said the communities have been under frequent assault by armed invaders who seize motorcycles from local riders, adding that an earlier attack on the Ikurav-Ya Clan, specifically at Tyuav and Usambe Sha Hua in Liev I Ward, left multiple people dead and properties destroyed.
Anumve casualty figures and the extent of property damage were still being compiled by locals and community leaders.
Victims of Jootar had been identified as Jonathan Ordooga, Aondogu Torse, Cheater Torse, Yagba Torse, Tersugh Mbaaiiga, Terhemen Emmanuel, Henenshima Apirgwa, and Orfega Atuku.
Meanwhile, locals said tension has mounted in Guma LGA, where residents fear an impending attack.
A youth simply identified as Paul said suspected have allegedly mobilised from hideouts in neighboring state, with plans to invade Yelewata community in Nyiev Council Ward.
Paul said tension is high after a youth from the community was attacked with a machete on May 8, and that the victim is currently receiving treatment at a government hospital in Makurdi.
Yelewata is a border town between Guma LGA in Benue State and Giza Development Area of Nasarawa State.
An anonymous Guma resident said
the LGA has been experiencing near-daily attacks, adding that on May 9, three persons were murdered in Ukpiam, Mababai Council Ward, while Umenger in Mbadwem Council Ward was attacked the following day, May 10.
He said casually figure was yet to be ascertained just as a woman by name Helen Nenge from Mbawa Mbanyiar kindred was also attacked on Friday at 4pm, wounded and her N6000 collected .
The State Commissioner for Information, Matthew Abo, an indigene of Ukum, revealed in Makurdi that eight farmers were killed on Saturday morning in his home LGA while on their way to the farm.
Abo could not identify those responsible for the latest killing as according to him, apart from armed invasions, there had also been communal crisis in Jootar between the Tiv and Jukun.
Police spokesperson for Benue command, CSP Catherine Anene, was yet to make a statement on the latest development as at the time of filing this report.
