Several communities in Benue, Nasarawa, and Ondo are in turmoil following a wave of deadly attacks by herdsmen and bandits that left at least 42 people dead. The violence triggered widespread protests, with angry residents demanding action from authorities.
In Nasarawa State, a clash between farmers and herdsmen in Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA) resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including a pregnant woman. Several others sustained injuries, and properties, including houses, motorcycles, and a police vehicle, were set on fire. The police in the state confirmed the recovery of six bodies but noted that many people were still missing.
A resident, Yakubu Joshua, claimed that more than 20 people were killed in the attack, with several families still searching for their loved ones. “We appreciate the intervention of security forces, but many people are stranded and in desperate need of help,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, violence erupted in Gwer West LGA after suspected armed herdsmen killed three members of the Civil Protection Guards. The victims were reportedly on duty in On-MbaAondo, Tsambe-Mbesev Ward when they were attacked. Their bodies were later taken to Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA, sparking protests by irate youths.
Angry protesters set fire to the council secretariat and the palace of the Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, HRH Daniel Abomtse. Other properties, including a hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam, were also burned.
A local source noted that the attack was not just about the killings but also frustration over the government’s inability to stop the repeated invasions by armed herdsmen. “What you see happening today is a revolt and an expression of bottled-up anger over the continuous killings in Gwer West communities,” the source said.
The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, confirmed that the protest was initially peaceful but was later hijacked by hoodlums who caused destruction. “It started as a reaction to the murder of the three security guards, but it escalated when their bodies were brought to Naka,” he explained.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing the attack on the security guards as “a flagrant affront to peace and security.” While acknowledging the people’s frustration, he urged restraint, stating that the destruction of public and private property would only make matters worse.
In Ondo State, tension was high as market women and youths staged a protest over the abduction of nine surveyors at Owode Ilu-Abo in Akure South LGA. The protesters, carrying placards, blocked roads and demanded that security agencies secure the release of the victims.
One of the protest leaders, Toyin Arowosafe, revealed that the kidnappers had contacted them, demanding a ransom of N100 million. She said efforts were being made to negotiate the amount down, but the abductors had refused to lower their demands.
Addressing the protesters, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, criticized the kidnapped surveyors for going to the site without security escorts. “Nowadays, any surveyor going to a site should go with police escorts. If they do, no gunmen will abduct them,” he said.
There were also conflicting accounts regarding an attack on four communities in Akure North LGA. The Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, claimed that at least 14 people were killed when herdsmen stormed the area in retaliation for the killing of their cattle. According to her, the attackers shot indiscriminately, killing both young and old residents while setting homes on fire.
However, the Ondo State Government dismissed the claims as false. Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security Matters, Olugbenga Atiba, stated, “This report is an absolute falsehood meant to create panic. No community was attacked.”
On the other hand, the state police command confirmed that bandits indeed attacked some communities but did not verify the number of casualties. The Police Public Relations Officer, Funmi Odunlami, said, “The Divisional Police Officer of Ala received information about an attack at Sunday Camp, a settlement on the border between Ondo and Edo states. The Commissioner of Police has directed that security operations in the area be intensified.”
