Mohamed Garba
Suspected armed herders launched a deadly assault on Mbatsada communities in Benue State’s Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) on Tuesday evening, killing four individuals—including a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain—in what local authorities described as an “unprovoked” attack. The violence erupted around 4:35 p.m. when gunmen stormed the Mbalom and Mbasombo council ward in a “commando-style” raid, firing indiscriminately and claiming the lives of APC elder Akaabo Johnson and three others, according to eyewitnesses.
Gwer-East LGA Chairman Timothy Adi confirmed the incident Wednesday, condemning the assault as the second such attack in the region within two weeks. “Four bodies, including that of the APC elder, were recovered and taken to St. Gregory Hospital’s morgue,” Adi stated, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Adi highlighted the deployment of security forces to secure boundary lines and prevent further violence, praising Governor Hyacinth Alia for his “timely support” in mobilizing rapid reinforcements. “Governor Alia is not resting—plans are underway to put an end to these unprovoked attacks,” he said, appealing for unity amid rising tensions.
The latest bloodshed reveals escalating security challenges in Benue, where clashes between herders and farming communities have persisted for years. While Adi attributed the attack to armed herders, the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, had not officially confirmed details at press time, with calls and messages to her phone remaining unanswered.
Governor Alia’s office has yet to release a formal statement, but Adi emphasized ongoing efforts to stabilize the area, stating, “We will not allow fear to rule us.” The incident has reignited calls for stronger federal intervention in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where resource disputes and ethnic strife continue to fuel cycles of violence. As families mourn the victims, residents brace for uncertainty, hoping promised security measures will bring respite to the embattled region.