Makurdi, Benue State — Communities in Benue State say they are “under siege” as a new wave of attacks by armed herdsmen and bandits has left at least 53 people dead and many residents too afraid to return to their farms and businesses.
In Kwande Local Government Area, two traders were ambushed on Saturday while returning from the popular Jato-Aka Market to Nzaav community in Yaav Council Ward. Armed men believed to be herdsmen opened fire on them before inflicting multiple machete cuts.
“Their bodies were later found lying in pools of blood,” a resident said, describing the attack as “pure terrorism”.
Former Supervisory Councillor Lawrence Akerigba called the killings horrific, warning that the pattern of raids suggests the area is being systematically targeted. Kwande LGA Chairman Yarkwan Tersua confirmed the incident, lamenting recurring killings and hinting at possible religious undertones to the violence. He appealed for urgent federal intervention to protect defenceless villagers.
In Zaki-Biam, Ukum axis of Logo LGA, a young female POS operator was shot dead when suspected bandits on motorbikes stormed her business in Hausa Quarters. Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire on the shop, grabbed cash, and then fired several shots into the air as they fled. The victim later died in hospital.
Meanwhile, Tombo community in Logo LGA is still reeling from what leaders describe as a “slow-motion massacre”. During a condolence visit by Senator Emmanuel Udende (Benue North-East), community leaders Joseph Tsavsar, Tiza Job and a traditional ruler revealed that over 50 residents have been killed since the start of 2025, with many others injured.
“Over 50 of our people have been killed, and countless others injured. Homes and farms worth millions have been destroyed. Our community, once known for feeding the state, is now a shadow of itself,” they said, urging government and security agencies to “stop the killings before we are wiped out.”
Senator Udende, accompanied by aides Abancha Tsenongo, Martins Agir and Asawa Moses, pledged to push for stronger security deployments. He said the completion of the Police Barracks at Ayilamo would significantly boost security presence and help deter future attacks, while asking residents to remain calm as efforts intensify.
Rights groups say the latest incidents fit into a broader pattern of unchecked violence in Benue, where clashes and raids linked to armed herders and other gunmen have killed hundreds this year alone, including mass-casualty attacks such as the Yelewata massacre in June.
At the time of filing this report, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to respond to calls and messages seeking official comment on the most recent attacks. Residents across Kwande, Logo and other flashpoints say they are living in fear and want Abuja and Makurdi to match condemnation with concrete action on the ground.
