There were many deadly attacks in Benue State in 2025, in addition to numerous incidents recorded in previous years. The killing of innocent individuals in the North-Central state has attracted reactions not only from Nigerians but also from the international community.
Thousands of people, mainly in the remote areas, have been sent to their early graves. While some attributed the unending killing to a clash between communities, others described it as a clash between herders and farmers. They argued that the destruction of farmland by herders will continue to lead to violent attacks.
Therefore, with the continuation of open-grazing in the state, the residents are paying with their lives. They were being killed in cold blood, and the suspected herders are also destroying their properties.
In the first six months of 2025, many deadly attacks in Benue State have dominated the media across the country. Hundreds of people have become victims of the unfortunate incidents. The notable killings recorded in the state this year include:
Killing Of 19 People In Kwande Local Government. In February 2025
Among the numerous deadly attacks in Benue State is the gruesome murder of 19 individuals in communities in the Kwande Local Government Area of the State. Nigerian Tribune reported that at least 16 farmers were killed on the 15th of February. The victims were killed along Kashimbila Road, and their dead bodies were allegedly thrown into the River Katsina-Ala.
“The farmers were returning to their community in Mbanduwa ward when they were ambushed along Kashimbila road and killed.
“Their bodies were dropped in River Katsina-Ala,” a resident who spoke to the newsmen on the condition of anonymity revealed.
The suspected herders carried out another deadly attack a few hours after the killing of the 16 farmers. The second attack occurred at Boaguwa in Kumakua Council Ward, within the same local government. At least three individuals were killed during the incident.
Suspected Herders Killed 72 Ahead Of Easter Celebration
Many families could not celebrate Easter this year as a result of unending deadly attacks in Benue State. The suspected herders went on a rampage as Christians celebrated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
According to a report by Channel Television, 72 dead bodies were recovered from the attack scenes in Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala Local Government Areas of the State. The herders had earlier attacked many rural communities in the Sankera axis of the LGAs. The unfortunate incidents reportedly occurred late Thursday night and early Friday morning, which were April 17 and 18.
During his Easter remarks in Makurdi on Sunday, Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledged a total recovery of 59 bodies. His Principal Special Assistant (PSA) on Media and Content Creation, Isaac Uzaan, later confirmed the discovery of an additional 13 dead bodies.
42 People Killed By Suspected Fulani Herdsmen In Gwer West LGA
Among the victims of the unending insecurity are the 42 people who were killed in two rural communities on May 24 and 25. A brutal incident that happened at Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam led to the death of 10 people. The following day, the herders sent 32 residents of nearby Ahume and Aondona villages to their early graves.
“It’s a pathetic situation,” Victor Omnin, a local official, told the newsmen. “As we speak, we are still recovering corpses.”
“They killed women and even children as young as two years old,” another resident said as reported by the Guardian.
Over 200 People, Including IDPs, Soldiers, Women, and Children, were Killed In Recent Deadly Attacks In Benue State
Nigerians recently witnessed one of the deadliest attacks in Benue State, as over 200 people were killed by herders. Among the victims of the incident are five security personnel, internally displaced persons, IDPs, as well as children and women.
According to the report, the herders stormed Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGAs) of the state in large numbers to carry out the attacks. They reportedly overpowered the youths and the security operatives before opening fire on innocent residents.
“It started last night at about 11 pm when Fulani terrorists came from the West. Part of the Yelewata and started shooting,” former acting Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr. Matthew Mnyan, said.
“So the police men and young people who were there tried to engage them. Suddenly, another group came from the Eastern part of the community, and they overran those trying to resist them.
“As of now, from the names they are putting together, and the number of families and people that were burnt and killed are running to over 200 now. They killed and burned people in the houses. They will pour petrol and burn the whole place where people were sleeping. We had a family of 15, some families of 12, men with their two wives, children and every one of them burnt. It is a terrible sight,” he added.
