Fresh Herdsmen attacks have left dozens dead in Benue State’s Gwer West and Apa LGAs.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that Benue State was thrown into mourning again following fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen on Sunday night in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas.
According to the Benue State Police Command, the assaults claimed dozens of lives, left many injured, and resulted in several residents missing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Sewuese Anene (formerly identified as DSP Edit Udeme), confirmed the attacks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi. She stated that tactical police teams have been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and safeguard lives and property.
“So far, nine bodies have been recovered from Edikwu in Apa LGA, and search operations are still ongoing for those declared missing,” she said.
In Gwer West LGA, the situation remains dire. Although the exact number of casualties is yet to be officially confirmed, local sources and community leaders report significant loss of life.
A resident of Apa described the incident as a “sudden and unprovoked attack,” stating that the gunmen stormed the village around 6:30 p.m., shooting indiscriminately at civilians.
“Some were attending evening church services, others relaxing at local joints. The attackers came without warning and started shooting. Security operatives on the ground were overwhelmed and unable to stop them,” the eyewitness recounted.
The resident estimated that over 25 people were killed, with several others abducted and taken to unknown locations. “The village is in ruins. It’s heartbreaking—nothing was left untouched,” he added.
In Gwer West, the Chairman of the Traditional Council, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed that the village of Tse Antswam came under a surprise guerrilla-style assault.
“By Monday morning, we had recovered 18 bodies. Many others are critically injured, and the fate of some who fled into the bush remains unknown. Some victims jumped into wells in desperation,” Chief Abomtse revealed.
He described the level of violence as “unimaginable,” and raised serious concerns about the failure of security, especially given that the attacked community is located directly across from a military checkpoint on the Naka-Makurdi Road.
Police authorities have pledged that investigations are ongoing and that those responsible for the attacks will be brought to justice. Security operations are being intensified to prevent further violence and protect vulnerable communities in the region.