Tension in Benue LG as armed herders seize seven out of 10 Council Wards, kill four

By Johnson Arua

Tensions have risen in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State after reports emerged that suspected armed herdsmen seized control of seven out of ten council wards, resulting in four deaths and forcing residents to abandon their homes amid renewed attacks.

The affected areas include Nenzev, Yonov, Turan, Mbater, Tombo, Mbagber, and Ukemberagya/Tswarev wards, where locals say farming activities for the 2026 season have been abruptly halted due to insecurity.

A local source, name withheld, raised alarm over the development, saying the situation has displaced several farming communities.

“As we speak, armed Fulani herdsmen militia have ransacked farmers from seven out of the ten council wards in Logo LGA. People who had started clearing land for the 2026 farming season are now on the run,” he said, calling for urgent intervention.

Providing further details, community leader and Chief, name withheld disclosed that the violence intensified on March 22 when suspected armed herdsmen, reportedly retreating due to ongoing border clearance operations by joint security forces, launched attacks on communities in Yonov and Nenzev wards.

“In Yonov Council Ward at about 3:00 p.m., they attacked villages in Mbamar clan and killed Mr. Atume Adudu and Mr. Orndii, a relation of the kindred head of Yonov, Chief Abuur Orndii. Many others were injured while some escaped,” he stated.

He added that later that evening, around 9:00 p.m., another group allegedly attacked Tse Kyegh village in Nenzev ward, where two residents, Mr. Aondona Ayegh and Mr. Ahongur Toho, were reportedly killed.

According to him, intelligence reports indicate that some of the fleeing attackers have now occupied deserted ancestral communities, further heightening fear among residents. “Some were seen in a deserted compound belonging to Mr. Aondohemba Mchia in Nenzev. This has created widespread panic, forcing many to relocate to safer areas,” he said.

In a related development, another attack was recorded on March 23 in Mbagber Council Ward. Armed men reportedly stormed Tse Agure village near Mchia community, leaving two persons with serious machete injuries.

Residents expressed concern that despite ongoing military operations in the area, communities remain exposed to attacks. “The local population is distressed that despite the border clearance operations, they remain vulnerable. The absence of security personnel appears to embolden the attackers,” a community member said.

Communities in Tombo, Mbagber, Yonov, and Nenzev are currently on high alert amid fears of further violence, with stakeholders calling for a review of security strategies.

He urged authorities to act swiftly, emphasizing the need for sustained security presence. “There is a need to deploy more operatives to monitor the situation closely and take decisive action to dislodge the marauders so that peace can return,” he said.