A renewed wave of violence has hit Benue State, with multiple fatalities feared and several others reportedly injured following a brutal attack by suspected armed herdsmen along the Makurdi–Naka highway.
Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the incident occurred on Friday evening, catching commuters by surprise and causing widespread panic. The ambush left many travelers stranded along the volatile route, which has increasingly become a hotspot for armed violence.
"The attackers emerged suddenly and opened fire indiscriminately," said one local source, who requested anonymity for security reasons. "People were running in different directions. It was chaos."
The Makurdi–Naka corridor has been plagued by insecurity in recent weeks, with reports indicating that Fulani militia groups have effectively taken control of several portions of the road. Despite repeated assurances from security agencies and state officials, the situation appears to be worsening.
Friday’s assault marks yet another dark chapter in the ongoing crisis, coming on the heels of recent efforts by the Nigerian military to restore order in the region. Just days ago, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, announced the relocation of his operational base to Benue State in a bid to address the rising violence. The move followed growing public outcry and concerns over persistent killings and displacement in the state.
However, the latest incident raises fresh questions about the effectiveness of ongoing military operations and the extent to which non-state actors continue to operate with impunity in rural parts of the state.
While official casualty figures have yet to be confirmed by the authorities, locals report that several bodies have been recovered from the scene, with many others rushed to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injuries.
As at the time of filing this report, security personnel were said to have arrived at the location to secure the area and prevent further attacks. However, tension remains high among residents and travelers who fear that more assaults may follow.
This latest episode adds to the growing list of violent incidents that have plagued Benue communities many of which continue to bear the brunt of clashes between farming populations and armed herders. The repeated attacks have displaced thousands and left scores dead in recent months, threatening the stability of one of Nigeria’s most agriculturally important states.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on Friday’s attack, but residents are calling for swift and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
Post a Comment