Bloody Weekend in Benue South: Herdsmen kill scores in Idoma communities

A deadly attack by suspected herdsmen on Ojantele community in Apa Local Government Area over the weekend has left scores dead, several missing, and a young girl reportedly abducted, sparking outrage from political and religious leaders in the state.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed that security forces have commenced search operations in the affected communities, deploying additional personnel to track down the attackers and restore safety. Officers are also investigating the abduction and providing support to victims’ families.

Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks in a statement issued on Saturday, describing the violence as “senseless and unacceptable.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and assured residents that the government would spare no effort in rescuing the abducted girl, locating the missing, and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“How can you come in and attack a people who were simply pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood? My people are hardworking farmers and do not deserve such a cruel fate,” the Governor said.
“I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. The killing of innocent Benue citizens going about their daily farm work is an assault on our shared humanity and will not be tolerated.”

Peter Adejoh, a gubernatorial aspirant and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), also reacted strongly to the attack. In a statement he personally signed, Adejoh described the incident as “an affront to humanity and an assault on the peace and security of Benue State.”

“Their grief is our collective grief, and they deserve the support of both government and society at large,” he said.
“Those entrusted with the protection of citizens must deploy all available resources to prevent further bloodshed, safeguard our vulnerable communities, and ensure the safety of hardworking farmers who feed our state and nation.”

Adejoh called on the state government to engage all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the persistent security challenges.
“Repeated attacks on our communities are unacceptable and signal a failure of leadership that must be corrected without delay,” he added.
“The perpetrators of this heinous crime must be apprehended and brought to justice swiftly. Our state can no longer be held hostage by violence.”

Communities in Ojantele, Akpete, and Asaba remain in shock as families mourn the victims. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and bloodshed, with homes set ablaze and residents fleeing for safety. Authorities are working alongside community leaders to restore order and ensure that farmers can return to their fields without fear.