By Friday Omosola and Fatimah Idera
Over 327 people have been killed in Benue State in the past six months due to persistent attacks by suspected herdsmen, the New Daily Prime has learnt.
The violence, which has intensified since this year, has left communities in the Middle Belt region reeling.
Checks by the New Daily Prime revealed that people in these areas of attacks have fled for safety as the situation is unending.
In March 2025, at least 15 people were reportedly killed in a renewed attack on several communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to sources from the local government, the crisis began when gunmen, suspected to be armed herdsmen, invaded Utange council ward. They proceeded to Kpav, particularly Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa, where they unleashed terror on the residents.
Several people had been declared missing, while many others were said to have fled the troubled communities.
Similarly, in April 2025, the death toll in the latest herdsmen massacre at Ukum, near Zaki Biam and other parts of the Sankera constituency in Benue state, was reportedly 70.
In May 2025, 42 people were killed in four communities in central Nigeria in attacks blamed on itinerant herders, in the latest wave of violence that continues to upend life in the rural region.
Reuters reported that local official Victor Omnin, the chair of the Gwer West local government area in Benue state, said 10 people were killed in a day attack on the villages of Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam. Thirty-two others were killed the following day in a separate attack in the nearby Ahume and Aondona villages.
Also, in the following month, June, several Nigerians demanded that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State following the killing of a reported number of 200 people in a two-day rampage by suspected herders.
Govs’ Forum shows support
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum has expressed sorrow over the recent attacks on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Benue State, which left dozens dead and several others injured.
In a statement signed by its chairman and Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Forum extended condolences to Governor Hyacinth Alia, the government, and the people of Benue State.
The statement read, “This heinous act represents a grievous affront to human dignity and must be unequivocally condemned,” the governors said. “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum stands in unwavering solidarity with the bereaved families and the State Government at this time of profound sorrow.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls, divine comfort for grieving families, speedy recovery for the injured, and the resilience of survivors.”
Tinubu to visit Benue Wednesday
President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday to commiserate with the people following last Friday’s deadly attack in the Yelewata community, which claimed numerous lives.
Speaking on Monday during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Network in the Federal Capital Territory, the President expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families.
“I will adjust my programme and go see Benue people on Wednesday,” Tinubu said.
He extended his condolences to those affected by the tragedy and urged residents of the state to maintain unity in the face of adversity.
The President called on the people to “manage their diversity, anger, and frustration and live as one united people.”
IG pays visit
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has arrived in Benue State following a deadly attack on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, which left scores dead.
In response to the tragedy, Egbetokun ordered the immediate deployment of additional tactical teams to the region to bolster security and prevent further violence.
According to a statement posted on the official X.com account of the Nigerian Police Force on Monday, the IGP visited the affected community alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. During the visit, both top security officials assessed the scale of destruction and held discussions with local leaders.
The post read, “IGP lives at Yelwata community, Guma LGA, Benue State, alongside the CDS, General Christopher Musa, where he assessed the damage and engaged community leaders.”
Security expert condemns attack
In an interview with the New Daily Prime, a former Department of State Security, Mr Akin Adeyi, said the ongoing violence in Benue State, Nigeria, was a complex issue rooted in a mix of historical, socio-economic, political, and environmental factors.
Speaking about the issue, he noted that environmental degradation and climate change were major causes as desertification in Northern Nigeria, adding that this pushed herders southward in search of grazing land.
The security expert stated that this led to clashes with farmers in Benue, a fertile agricultural region.
He said, “This conflict is driven by competition over land and water resources, exacerbated by environmental and demographic pressures. Despite President Tinubu’s condemnation of the killings as inhuman and orders to security chiefs, attacks persist, indicating gaps in implementation. Security reform should be implemented to strengthen intelligence and deploy community-based security to protect vulnerable areas.
Independent investigations into perpetrators, including potential local complicity, are critical. There is a need for Dialogue and Reconciliation in facilitating inter-community dialogues to address ethnic and religious mistrust, involving neutral mediators to avoid politicisation.”
Adeyi concluded that the government should provide aid to displaced populations and invest in agricultural resilience to stabilise Benue’s economy, and International Support could also help leverage global expertise in conflict resolution and climate adaptation, moving beyond statements to technical assistance.
