BENUE BLEEDS: 61 killed, over 200 houses razed, residents call for state of emergency

Benue State descended into chaos over the weekend as fresh violence claimed no fewer than 61 lives in separate incidents involving herdsmen attacks and a bloody communal clash, prompting urgent calls from residents for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state.

IDOMA VOICE reports that the wave of bloodshed triggered a swift response from Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, who condemned the killings and ordered immediate deployment of joint security forces to the hardest-hit areas, declaring: “Our communities are not killing fields.”

Massacres in Apa and Gwer West
Armed herdsmen reportedly carried out coordinated attacks in Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas (LGAs), killing at least 46 people and leaving dozens injured.

Eyewitnesses said the violence began in Ijaha Ibele Ochekwu in Apa LGA on Sunday, where two people were killed. Hours later, a larger assault was launched on Edikwu Ankpali, where gunmen shot at fleeing residents, killing at least 28 people, including women and children.

Simultaneously, in Tse Antswam community, Gwer West, suspected herdsmen attacked the area around 7 p.m. Sunday, killing no fewer than 18 people in a two-hour onslaught that forced hundreds to flee. The community, ironically, lies opposite a military checkpoint on the Naka–Makurdi road.

The Chairman of Gwer West Traditional Council, Chief Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the killings, lamenting:

“Some were butchered so badly that I doubt they’ll survive. Others ran into the bush or jumped into wells to escape.”

Communal Violence in Gwer East
Meanwhile, a separate communal clash between the Igede and Tiv communities of Mbakine and Ojumole in Gwer East LGA left 15 dead and over 200 houses razed.

According to locals, the conflict erupted from a minor dispute between two youths during a market exchange on Friday. By the weekend, it had escalated into full-blown violence, destroying the entire Ojumole community.

Igede Youth Leader, Andyson Egbodo, described the incident as a tragic departure from over a century of peaceful coexistence:

“They had lived together like brothers and sisters for over 100 years. What happened is unthinkable.”

He acknowledged swift intervention by local authorities and lawmakers, who convened a peace meeting in Aliade, the council headquarters.

Alia Reacts, Residents Demand Federal Intervention
In a statement issued Monday, Governor Alia confirmed the deaths of 23 people from initial reports in Apa and Gwer West, condemning the atrocities and affirming that security agencies had been directed to sweep the communities and restore order.

“I will not stand by while our people are slaughtered,” he said. “Joint security teams have been deployed with a clear mandate: stop the killings and restore peace.”

The mounting death toll and widespread displacement have triggered renewed calls from residents and civil society groups for President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue, citing the state government’s limited capacity to contain the escalating violence.

Owukpa Protests as Kidnappers Demand ₦14 Million
In a separate development in Owukpa, Ogbadibo LGA, tension boiled over as residents took to the streets protesting the kidnapping of local traders along a remote road linking the community to Utonkon.

The abductors, believed to be operating from forested hideouts around the border with Enugu State, are demanding a ₦14 million ransom for the release of the victims. The incident has revived fears of resurgent banditry in the area, already grappling with poor security infrastructure.

Protesters, made up mostly of youths and market women, blocked key roads and accused the government of abandoning rural communities to the mercy of criminals.

Police Confirm Deployment
Benue Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed that tactical units had been deployed to affected areas and were already working to stabilize the situation.

“Our teams are on ground and fully engaged. We will provide updates as we get more accurate information,” he said.

Background
Benue State has for years been plagued by deadly conflicts involving armed herdsmen and local communities, especially in its border LGAs. The latest killings are among the worst in recent months and threaten to further destabilize the state, where thousands remain in IDP camps.

Call for state of emergency

A renowned Professor of Law Practice and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sebastine Hon, has written a petition and formally presented it to President Bola Tinubu, urging the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue State amid escalating insecurity culminating in attacks and the killing of hundreds of innocent people.

Hon’s petition highlights the urgent need for decisive intervention to restore peace and stability in Benue State.

The petition criticises the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, for dismissing ongoing deadly attacks as mere “skirmishes” and failing to respond appropriately.