Two farmers have reportedly been killed in separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, escalating fears of insecurity in the region.
The victims were attacked on Wednesday along two major access routes leading to the local government headquarters in Naka. One was killed in Atukpu village, about a kilometre from Naka, on the Taraku-Naka road, while the second was slain along the Naka-Adoka road.
A source from Naka, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the roads have become dangerous due to the heavy presence of armed herdsmen, forcing commuters to avoid the Makurdi-Naka route. “Even the corpses of the two victims were recovered using a wheelbarrow,” the source added.
Confirming the incidents, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr. Victor Ormin, described the situation as alarming. He said, “A young man was killed on Taraku-Naka road while trying to get roofing materials for his house. Another person was murdered along the Adoka-Naka axis. This is happening almost daily now.”
Ormin expressed concern that the frequency of attacks was increasing, with incidents now occurring within five kilometres of Naka town. “Naka is no longer safe. It is quite worrisome,” he stated.
The chairman further noted that the current security deployment in the LGA might be overstretched, despite Governor Hyacinth Alia’s ongoing efforts to curb the violence.
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
