The Benue State Police Command has confirmed deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in two local government areas — Gwer West and Apa — on Sunday night, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread panic.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edit Udeme, said tactical units have been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and protect remaining residents.
According to the police, nine bodies have been recovered in Edikwu community, located in Apa Local Government Area, while search and rescue efforts for missing persons are ongoing.
DSP Udeme also noted that casualties in Naka, a community in Gwer West LGA, were yet to be confirmed as investigations and recovery operations continued. “We will provide accurate updates as soon as they are available,” she said.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Horror
Local sources painted a harrowing picture of the attacks. In Edikwu, a resident described the raid as “sudden and unprovoked,” with assailants arriving around 6:30 p.m. and opening fire indiscriminately. “People were attending evening church services and others relaxing at a bar when the attackers struck. Security forces were overwhelmed,” the source said.
The witness alleged that over 25 people were killed and others abducted by the assailants, while homes and property were completely destroyed.
In Gwer West, Chief Daniel Abomtse, Chairman of the Traditional Council, confirmed the assault on Tse Antswam village, describing it as a coordinated guerrilla-style ambush. He stated that 18 bodies had been recovered by Monday morning and that dozens more sustained critical injuries.
“The brutality was unimaginable. Some victims were hacked beyond recognition. Many villagers fled into the bush with gunshot wounds, and others reportedly jumped into wells to escape,” Abomtse said.
Alarmingly, he disclosed that the targeted village lies directly opposite a military checkpoint along the Naka-Makurdi Road, sparking questions about the efficiency and preparedness of the deployed forces.
Police Assure Public of Ongoing Investigations
The Benue Police Command said it has intensified efforts to track down the attackers and prevent further violence. Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives.
Benue State has long been at the center of deadly farmer-herder clashes, with repeated calls for stronger security presence in vulnerable rural communities.
NAN
