Herdsmen strike again, kill scores in Benue State

Several people have been reported dead and many more injured following a deadly overnight assault by suspected herdsmen on Mtsewnem, Akondutyough village in the North Bank area of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to eyewitness reports and local sources, the attackers stormed the quiet farming community at approximately 3:00 a.m., catching residents off guard as they slept.

The assailants reportedly moved in swiftly and violently, wreaking havoc and leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.

Though official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, early accounts indicate a high number of fatalities, while several survivors sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment at nearby healthcare centres.

Human rights advocate and humanitarian worker, Ukan Kurugh, took to social media in the wake of the tragedy, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing” and calling for urgent intervention.

“At 3:00 a.m. today, I received a heartbreaking distress call, accompanied by chilling video footage and photographs of yet another suspected herdsmen attack,” Kurugh wrote.

“This time, the horror unfolded in North Bank, less than a 40-minute drive from Makurdi town. These brazen attackers continue to strike with impunity, undeterred by the presence of state and federal authorities. They have defied the President, the Governor, and our entire security apparatus.”

Kurugh further expressed his solidarity with the victims’ families, urging the government to take decisive action against the recurrent bloodshed plaguing Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.

“To the wounded and to the families who lost loved ones, my heart grieves with you. Your pain is our pain. We will not turn away. We will not be silent. We are wide awake and we will continue to speak, to mourn, and to demand action.”

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Benue State, known for its rich agricultural land, has witnessed numerous clashes in recent years between farmers and suspected armed herders, often resulting in casualties, displacement, and destruction of property.

The North Bank area, in particular, has become increasingly vulnerable to attacks despite repeated calls for stronger security presence.

Efforts to contact the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Edet Udeme, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. No official police statement had been released as of Thursday morning.

Residents in the affected area are reportedly fleeing in fear of another attack, even as community leaders appeal to the state government and security agencies to increase patrols and ensure the safety of those left behind.

With tensions continuing to rise and calls for justice growing louder, the latest tragedy has reignited national concern over the protracted violence and the government’s capacity to safeguard lives in the region.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and authorities are expected to release further updates as investigations continue.

FrankTalk