Two farmers have been killed in separate incidents involving suspected herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. The attacks took place in communities close to Naka, the local government’s headquarters.
A reliable source from Naka, who spoke under condition of anonymity, told DAILY POST that the two victims were targeted while traveling along key routes that lead to Naka. One of the victims was reportedly murdered on Wednesday at Atukpu village, located about one kilometer from Naka town along the Taraku-Naka road. The second victim was killed on the same day along the Naka-Adoka road.
The source added that “Already, the Makurdi-Naka road is a no-go area because armed herdsmen have completely taken over that axis, and even commuters have abandoned it for fear of attack.” According to the source, this makes all three routes leading to Naka unsafe. The bodies of the two victims were retrieved with a wheelbarrow, further highlighting the severity of the security situation.
The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Mr. Victor Ormin, confirmed the incidents and expressed concern over the growing insecurity in the area. He described how one of the victims, a young man, was killed while attempting to purchase roofing materials for his house along the Taraku-Naka road. The second victim was also murdered while traveling on the Naka-Adoka road.
Mr. Ormin noted that the frequency of the attacks has increased, and now, incidents are occurring as close as five kilometers from Naka town. “Naka is no longer safe. It is quite worrisome,” he said.
