Tension as armed herders overrun seven Benue communities, kill four

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Tension has escalated in Logo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State following reports that suspected armed herdsmen have taken control of seven out of the 10 Council Wards, killing four people and leaving several others injured.

The attacks also reportedly destroyed several farmlands abandoned by fleeing residents.

It was gathered from a local source that the situation in the affected communities was dire, “as we speak, armed herdsmen militia have ransacked farmers from seven out of the 10 Council Wards in Logo LGA. While people had begun clearing land for the 2026 farming season, the residents of Nenzev, Yonov, Turan, Mbater, Tombo, Mbagber, and Ukemberagya/Tswarev Wards are on the run,” he said.

A community leader who preferred anonymity added that the attacks escalated after some herdsmen, reportedly retreating from Tombo Council Ward due to ongoing border clearance operations, attacked neighboring communities.

“In Yonov at about 3pm on March 22, they attacked villages in the Mbamar clan, killing Mr. Atume Adudu and Mr. Orndii, a relation of the Kindred Head of Yonov, Chief Abuur Orndii. Many others were injured, while some managed to escape,” he said.

He further disclosed that “later the same day, around 9pm, another group attacked Tse Kyegh village in Nenzev Council Ward, killing Mr. Aondona Ayegh and Mr. Ahongur Toho. Intelligence indicated that some fleeing attackers have occupied deserted ancestral communities, including the compound of Mr. Aondohemba Mchia, heightening fear among locals.

“Another incident occurred on March 23 in Mbagber Council Ward, where suspected herdsmen attacked Tse Agure village near Mchia community, leaving two individuals with serious machete injuries.”

Residents expressed frustration that, despite ongoing security operations, the communities remain vulnerable. “The absence of security personnel appears to embolden the attackers. We need a sustained presence to protect our people.

“There is a need to deploy more security operatives to monitor the situation closely and take decisive steps to dislodge these marauders so that peace can return.

“As we speak communities in Tombo, Mbagber, Yonov, and Nenzev Council Wards are on high alert, fearing further attacks,” he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet could not be reached.

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