Suspected bandits have launched renewed attacks on rural communities in Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue State, leaving several people dead, including the former PDP Ward Chairman, James Akase.
The attacks, which occurred on Monday, May 19, targeted villages including Tse Ikpe Ago along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward.
Local sources described the assaults as coordinated strikes on vulnerable farming communities.
In Gwer West, Akase was reportedly ambushed and killed by suspected Fulani militias while visiting his farm in Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward.
He had reportedly returned to the area, from which he had earlier been displaced, to gather food.
Gwer West Local Government Chairman, Victor Ormin, confirmed the killing, stating, “He went to get some food from his farm and was unfortunately killed.
Another man was kidnapped yesterday, but was later released after his family paid a ransom.”
Efforts to reach Guma LGA Chairman, Maurice Orwough, and Benue State Police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as their phone lines remained unreachable.
These latest incidents add to the ongoing violence in Benue State, where armed herders and bandits have frequently attacked farming communities, leading to widespread displacement and loss of life.