The serene landscape of Benue State, Nigeria, has once again been stained with the blood of innocent civilians. A series of coordinated attacks by suspected armed herders in Gwer West Local Government Area has left at least 42 people dead, including a mobile police officer, and a Catholic priest critically injured. The attacks, occurring between Saturday and Sunday, targeted four communities – Tse-Ubiam, Tyolaha, Ahume, and Aondona – leaving a trail of devastation and grief in their wake. The audacity of the attacks, occurring near a military checkpoint, underscores the escalating security challenges facing the region and the apparent impunity enjoyed by the perpetrators.
The attacks unfolded in a horrifying sequence. On Saturday, Tse-Ubiam and Tyolaha communities were targeted, resulting in the loss of 12 lives – seven in Tse-Ubiam and five in Tyolaha. Disturbingly, these attacks took place in close proximity to a military base, raising questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the area. The violence escalated on Sunday, as Ahume and Aondona communities came under siege. Over 30 people were killed in these attacks, including children under two years old. The sheer brutality and indiscriminate nature of the killings have left communities traumatized and fearing for their lives.
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed outrage and condemned the attacks in the strongest terms. Describing the perpetrators as “barbaric criminals masquerading as herders,” he vowed that their actions would not be tolerated. Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Benue State and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. The shooting of Reverend Father Solomon Atongu on the Makurdi-Naka road on Saturday further highlights the precarious security situation in the region.
The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Victor Omnin, characterized the attacks as “genocide” on his people. He described a grim scene of ongoing recovery efforts, with over 30 bodies recovered between Sunday and Monday. Omnin highlighted the strategic nature of the attacks, noting that one occurred just three kilometers from Naka, a major town in the area. He also pointed out the proximity of the Saturday attacks to a military checkpoint, raising serious concerns about the military’s response. Omnin accused the soldiers of inaction, claiming they asserted they lacked the mandate to engage the attackers unless fired upon first. He further alleged that even the governor lacked the authority to order them to intervene, claiming only the President of the country could issue such commands.
Adding to the tragedy, a dedicated mobile police officer, Magaji, was killed during Sunday’s attack on Aondona. According to accounts, Magaji bravely defended the community despite running out of ammunition, ultimately sacrificing his life while urging residents to flee. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attacks and the recovery of three bodies in Aondona. They also confirmed the death of a police officer while defending a village in Gwer West LGA just hours before the Aondona attack. Attempts to obtain a response from the military regarding the allegations of inaction have been unsuccessful, with the acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Operation Whirl Stroke, not responding to inquiries.
These latest attacks underscore the persistent and devastating security challenges plaguing Benue State, particularly Gwer West Local Government Area. According to Chairman Omnin, all 15 council wards within Gwer West have experienced repeated attacks. Despite a 6:30 pm curfew imposed by the council, the violence has continued unabated, demonstrating the attackers’ blatant disregard for law and order. The targeting of Aondona, the hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese and the wife of the immediate past governor, further emphasizes the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the violence. The unfolding crisis calls for urgent and decisive action to protect vulnerable communities, bring the perpetrators to justice, and restore peace and security to Benue State. The allegations of military inaction require thorough investigation and, if substantiated, appropriate measures to address the apparent gap in security protocols. The escalating violence and the tragic loss of life demand a concerted effort from all stakeholders to address the root causes of the conflict and implement effective security measures to prevent further bloodshed.
