Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen launched coordinated attacks on communities in four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State on Saturday, reportedly killing at least 23 people. The affected LGAs included Guma, Logo, Ukum, and Kwande.
Local sources reported that nine persons were killed in Logo, eight in Ukum, and three each in Guma and Kwande. The attacks, which appeared to be part of a series of ongoing violent incidents, have forced many residents to flee their communities amid growing fears of continued violence.
Eyewitnesses in Kwande LGA said the latest attacks occurred in the Turan area on May 9, 2025, and were allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen and suspected Jukun militants. Ray Anumve, a resident of the area, told journalists in Makurdi that the attackers targeted several communities including Mbaav Clan, Mbadura Council Ward, near Tse Yande compound, Gusa crossing, and River Katsina-Ala.
According to Anumve, the assailants, who spoke Fulfulde and Jukun languages, crossed the River Katsina-Ala and ambushed farmers returning from their fields. One farmer, Mr. Agwei, was reportedly killed, while his son and brother sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at a clinic in Jato-Aka.
Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Matthew Abo, also confirmed the attack in Ukum LGA, stating that eight farmers were killed on their way to their farms. However, he noted that the identities of the perpetrators remained unclear due to ongoing communal clashes between Tiv and Jukun groups in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, had not responded to calls or text messages and the police were yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The latest violence added to the growing insecurity in Benue State, where clashes involving herdsmen have become increasingly frequent and deadly.
