Suspected bandits have reportedly killed several people, including the immediate past PDP Ward Chairman, James Akase, during renewed attacks in Benue State’s Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas.
According to local reports, the violent incidents took place on Monday, May 19, 2025, affecting multiple rural communities.
Among the villages targeted were Tse Ikpe Ago along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward.
A community member, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the attacks as deliberate assaults on defenseless farming populations.
“In Gwer West, Fulani militias ambushed and killed Hon. James Akase from Tse-Defam in Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward,” the source revealed.
Akase, who had earlier fled due to previous violence, was reportedly killed while returning to his farm to gather food.
“He was on his farm to collect food when the attack happened. Another individual was abducted but was released after his family paid a ransom later that night,” the source added.
Attempts to contact Maurice Orwough, Chairman of Guma LGA, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Similarly, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, did not respond to repeated calls seeking confirmation.
These fresh assaults further deepen the ongoing security challenges in Benue State, where armed bandits and herders continue to terrorize farming communities, causing mass displacement and loss of lives.