Seven Killed in Fresh Herdsmen Attack in Benue Community

MAKURDI: Seven people were killed early Tuesday morning in a suspected armed herdsmen attack on Naka, a community in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. Several residents were injured, while many fled their homes in fear.

The attack, which occurred around 5 a.m., saw the armed herders invade the area on motorbikes, shooting sporadically and forcing residents from their sleep. Witnesses report that the assailants had earlier grazed their cattle freely on farmlands, destroying crops before launching the deadly assault.

“The sound of gunfire at about 5 a.m. woke the people, and as they tried to escape, they were gunned down by the invaders,” a resident said. Seven people were killed, and others were injured during the attack, while many fled to avoid further violence.

Gwer West has been a hotspot for herdsmen attacks, with numerous incidents reported in the past, including assaults on travelers along the Makurdi-Naka road.

Benue State police spokesperson, Superintendent Catherine Anene, stated that she had yet to receive detailed reports on the incident.