Benue LG chairman declares curfew in over killings

The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, Ormin Torsar Victor, has declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew to address escalating insecurity in the region.

In a statement released on Sunday, Victor announced that the curfew will begin daily at 6:30 p.m. with immediate effect, restricting all movement into and out of the local government during the specified hours.

“This directive takes immediate effect,” he said. “With this Executive directive, people coming into Gwer West LGA and those going out to other places are to do so within the stipulated time of 6:30 pm.”

He emphasized that the curfew is a temporary security measure, subject to review depending on how the situation evolves.

The move follows a resurgence of violence in Benue State, particularly after coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Ayilamo and Jato-Acka communities.

At least nine people were confirmed dead in the two attacks. In Jato-Acka, over 20 armed assailants reportedly stormed the village, killing six residents and setting several homes ablaze. The violence later spread to Ayilamo, where three more victims, including a Livestock Guard, were reportedly killed.