Five people were killed by suspected herdsmen on Friday at Tse Tsu Bridge along the Makurdi-Naka-Federal highway, 12 km from Naka town in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Eyewitness, Mr. Teryila Atukpu, recounted that the attack occurred between 4:30 pm and 5 pm when suspected herdsmen emerged from the bush and opened fire on commuters, most of whom were on motorcycles. “The attack, as usual, was carried out swiftly by the killer herders, who fled into the bush after committing the heinous act,” Atukpu said.
One victim, Targule Terkula, died on the spot, while two others passed away at a private clinic in Naka. Four additional victims are still receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Atukpu noted that this style of attack has been a recurring method of violence by herders in Gwer West, a region that has faced continued aggression for 15 years. Herders have occupied nine out of the 15 local government areas, perpetuating violence in the region.
The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) condemned the killings in a statement signed by Professor Patrick Ukase and Professor John Ajai. They called on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The group highlighted the alarming toll of violence, with 192 lives lost between 2011 and 2017, and another 302 killed between 2018 and 2023. “This year alone, 17 individuals have been mercilessly hacked down by these herders,” the statement said, bringing the total number of victims to over 511 since 2011.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said they were awaiting a report from the divisional office in Naka.
In a separate incident, troops from Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) rescued eight kidnapped passengers on Wednesday, October 17, 2024, at Akaa-Akundo settlement along the Zaki-Biam/Wukari road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The rescue operation occurred at 7:30 pm after armed men, disguised in military uniforms, kidnapped the passengers traveling in a Taraba Express International bus. The driver, Oliver Enze, recounted how he and his passengers were stopped at a fake checkpoint. The gunmen ordered them to lie face down, kidnapped two passengers, and stole cash, phones, and other valuables. The attackers fled when the Joint Military Operations Team arrived.
The rescued passengers expressed their gratitude to the military for their swift response and called for the establishment of permanent military barracks along the Zaki-Biam/Wukari road to combat ongoing insecurity.
Brigadier General A. Rabiu, Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, confirmed the rescue operation and assured Benue residents of the military’s commitment to fighting criminality in the state.
