In a disturbing development in Benue State, James Akase, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, and three other individuals have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected herders. The attack targeted communities in Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas, leaving several others severely injured.
Akase, who was once the Chairman of the PDP in the Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward of Gwer West, was killed on Monday afternoon. A local source revealed that Akase had been displaced from his home by the herders and was only returning to his ancestral village to search for food to feed his family when he was ambushed and shot dead by the armed assailants who had taken over his community.
On the same day, another attack took place in Guma LGA, where three individuals were killed by the marauding herders. The attackers targeted Tse Ikpe Ago along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward. A Public Affairs Analyst from the state, Samuel Aondohemba, condemned the attacks, describing them as “coordinated and unprovoked.” He noted that the attacks left many others injured, with several victims currently receiving treatment in various hospitals within the area. “These senseless killings are a stark reminder of the constant bloodshed that the people of Benue State continue to endure,” he added.
Victor Ormin, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, confirmed the tragic death of Akase, stating that he had gone to his farm in search of food when he was killed. In a separate incident, another man who was kidnapped on Monday was released later that evening after his family paid the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
Attempts to reach Guma LGA Chairman Maurice Orwough and the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
