Suspected armed herdsmen have killed a police officer and more than 30 civilians in a series of brutal attacks across several communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, according to local reports.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the killing of the officer in Aondona village, where the attack reportedly began over the weekend. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, disclosed on Monday in Makurdi that the officer was killed while attempting to protect residents during the assault.
“The police responded when the case of Aondona was reported, and three bodies were recovered. An investigation is ongoing,” Anene said.
“Note also that a policeman died defending one of the villages just a few hours before this incident in Gwer West.”
Widespread Casualties Reported Across Multiple Villages
While the police confirmed four deaths, local residents and community leaders claim the death toll exceeds 30 across four communities. The attacks, which began on Saturday evening in Aondona, reportedly continued on Monday in neighboring villages, including Ahume, Tyolaha, and Orbiam.
According to eyewitness accounts:
- 15 people were killed in Aondona,
- 7 in Ahume,
- 5 in Tyolaha,
- 6 in Orbiam,
- while 2 individuals were kidnapped.
Injuries have also been reported, with seven residents wounded during the assaults.
Mass Displacement as Villagers Flee Ongoing Attacks
The persistent violence has triggered a mass exodus of residents, with many fleeing to safer areas like Taraku town. Communities in neighboring Gwer East Local Government, such as Mablim, are also affected due to their proximity to Aondona.
Local sources say the assailants—suspected to be armed herders—launched a coordinated series of attacks, raising concerns over the rising insecurity in Benue State’s rural communities.
Authorities Urged to Intervene as Violence Escalates
Community leaders and civil society groups are calling on the Nigerian government and security agencies to take immediate action to secure the affected areas and prevent further loss of life.
The spate of violence highlights the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, particularly with increasing cases of herdsmen-related attacks, rural displacement, and intercommunal tensions.
NAN
