Suspected bandits have launched a new wave of deadly attacks on rural communities in Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State, resulting in multiple fatalities, including the murder of the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Chairman, James Akase.
Local sources who spoke with Punch confirmed that the attacks took place on Monday, May 19, 2025, targeting several farming communities in the area.
The villages of Tse Ikpe Ago, located along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward, were among those hit.
A local resident, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, described the attacks as well-coordinated assaults aimed at vulnerable, unarmed farming communities.
In Gwer West, Hon. James Akase, the former PDP Ward Chairman, was ambushed and killed by suspected Fulani militias.
According to the source, Akase, who had been previously displaced by earlier attacks, had returned to his community in search of food when he was attacked.
“Hon. James Akase of Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward, was ambushed and brutally murdered,” the local resident stated.
The Gwer West Local Government Chairman, Victor Ormin, confirmed the tragic news, stating that Akase was killed while working on his farm.
“He went to get some food from his farm and was unfortunately killed. Another man was also kidnapped yesterday, but his family paid a ransom, and he was released later in the night,” Ormin added.