Panic as Suspected Armed Herdsmen Storm Benue Communities
- There has been an influx of suspected armed herdsmen and a large number of cows in Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas (LGAs)
- The residents have cried out for help following the return and presence of armed herdsmen in their communities
- Community members appealed to security agencies to urgently deploy additional personnel to the area
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Benue State - Tension rises following unusual movements by suspected armed herdsmen and a large number of cows in Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue state.
The development has raised fresh security concerns across the border communities.
Source: Twitter
As reported by Vanguard, a local source said a large number of suspected armed herdsmen were sighted entering Tombo Council Ward from Awe and Keana LGAs of neighbouring Nasarawa state.
“They were crossing with a large number of cattle into the area from multiple directions.
“These movements have been ongoing since before the Christmas period and have now intensified. People are afraid because they are settling around forests and abandoned villages close to our communities.”
Residents said the continued presence of the armed men had triggered panic.
Many residents have been forced to restrict movement and disrupt social and economic activities within the Tombo Council Ward.
Unconfirmed claims have it that some of the individuals may be fleeing security operations or terrorist activities in other regions, possibly linked to recent US precision airstrikes.
Community members appealed to security agencies to urgently deploy additional personnel to the areas.
They noted that the Tombo Council Ward shares borders with Nasarawa and Taraba states, routes often used by criminal elements.
“We are appealing to the authorities to act fast before the situation escalates. Our safety and livelihoods are already under threat.”
Similarly, residents reported the movement of suspected armed herdsmen around the Tse Ati community in Mbabuande, Gwer West LGA, on Monday, January 5, 2025.
According to a community leader, the armed men were sighted in significant numbers.
The leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the movement has sparked anxiety and prompted calls for increased vigilance.
“There has been no attack yet, but the signs are disturbing. We want security agencies to step in early to prevent a breakdown of law and order in our communities.”
Herdsmen kill 2, others missing in Benue community
Recall that suspected armed herdsmen launched a fresh attack on the people of Mbamar community, near the railway line in the Dudu area of Guma Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
The terrorists killed at least two people, injured several people, and others were declared missing after the deadly attack.
A resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, narrated how the armed herdsmen attacked and killed the victims.
Source: Original
Benue governor reacts as over 100 killed in Benue attack
Meanwhile, Legit.ng also reported that Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue State, strongly condemned the recent massacre of innocent citizens at Yelewata village.
Legit.ng recalls that armed men suspected to be herders terrorising the state launched an unprovoked attack on Yelewata on Friday night, June 13, killing around 100 people.
Condemning the development, Governor Alia described the attack as a bloodbath, offering assurance to residents amid concerns.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
