Fresh violence erupted across parts of Benue State on Thursday, leaving three people dead, one injured, and another abducted following coordinated attacks by suspected gunmen in Buruku, Okokolo and Naka local government areas.
The renewed assaults have once again unsettled residents of the agrarian state, which has witnessed recurring episodes of deadly attacks in recent months.
In Mbakura Mbagen community, Buruku LGA, suspected gunmen struck in the early hours of the day, reportedly around 3:30 a.m. Local sources said about five armed men invaded the village, targeting operatives of the state’s Civil Protection Guards.
During the raid, two members of the guards, identified as John Kunde and Sughter Orbunde, were killed. The attackers also abducted a resident, Aondowase Ager, and made away with a Bajaj motorcycle belonging to one of the victims before fleeing the area.
The bodies of the slain guards were later deposited at the Ugbema mortuary, while security operatives intensified efforts to track down the assailants and rescue the abducted victim.
A few hours later, violence shifted to Ejima community in Okokolo LGA, where suspected armed herders reportedly opened fire at about 6:00 a.m. The attack left Daniel Matthew, a resident, with gunshot injuries. Security personnel were subsequently deployed to the community and surrounding areas to restore calm and prevent further attacks.
Another deadly incident was recorded later in the day at Ammuneke village in Naka LGA, where two young men, Akula Gugun (27) and Odi Shimayoho (28), were killed during an assault by suspected gunmen.
Thursday’s attacks have reignited concerns over the worsening security situation in rural Benue communities, where residents say fear, displacement and disruption of farming activities have become a recurring reality.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from state authorities on arrests or the motive behind the attacks. Security agencies, however, confirmed that operations were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence.
Fresh attacks leave three dead, one injured in Benue communities
