Suspected bandits have launched another deadly assault on communities in Benue State, leaving several people dead and many others in fear.
Among the victims is James Akase, a former ward chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was reportedly killed while returning to his village in Gwer West Local Government Area.
The attacks occurred on Monday, May 19, 2025, and targeted multiple farming settlements in Guma and Gwer West LGAs. Local residents say these coordinated strikes are part of a troubling pattern of violence in the area.
Tse Ikpe Ago, a village along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Ward, were among the worst-hit locations.
Eyewitnesses describe the assault as a deliberate strike on communities already struggling with previous displacements.
One community member, who chose not to be named, shared that Akase had previously fled his village due to earlier attacks. He returned to his farm to gather food but never made it back.
“In Gwer West, the Fulani militias ambushed and brutally murdered Hon. James Akase of Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward,” the source said.
Victor Ormin, chairman of Gwer West LGA, confirmed Akase’s death and noted that another man was kidnapped in the same area. “He went to get some food from his farm and was unfortunately killed.
Another man was also kidnapped yesterday, but his family paid a ransom, and he was released later in the night,”Ormin told reporters.
