Gunmen Strike Again: Four Dead in Latest Plateau-Benue Attacks
New outbreaks of violence occurred in Plateau and Benue states on Tuesday when attackers launched distinct assaults, resulting in four fatalities and reigniting concerns about safety in Nigeria’s central northern area.
In Plateau State, two inhabitants of the Irigwe communities within the Bassa Local Government Area lost their lives due to reportedly coordinated nighttime assaults carried out by alleged armed herdsmen.
The attacks were directed at three distinct areas: Zashi of Kperie in Kwall District, a region close to the MODACS Hotel near the College of Accountancy, and Twin Hill (Gyu) in Miango District.
Joseph Yonkpa, who serves as the National Publicity Secretary for the Irigwe Youth Movement, verified the occurrence and named the individuals involved as 19-year-old Abba Sunday Ngah and 47-year-old Azie Daniel.
"Once more, tragedy has befallen our community. Less than 24 hours since we buried our dear brethren from Hwrra village, Fulani militia conducted three distinct assaults on Irigwe communities last night on April 8, 2025," stated Yonkpa.
The raiding group conducted crippling surprise attacks at three sites: Zashi of Kperie, located in the Kwall region; the MODACS Hotel near the College of Accounting in Kwall; and Twin Hill (Gyu) within the Miango district.
In these incidents, two innocent lives were taken. Mr Abba Sunday Ngah, who was 19 years old, was savagely killed in Zashi, Kperie, and his motorcycle was seized by the militia groups. Additionally, Mr Azie Daniel, aged 47, was fatally shot near the MODACS Hotel in Kwall.
"The individuals at Twin Hill, located in Miango district, barely avoided the assault," he mentioned additionally.
Yonkpa similarly expressed disappointment over the silence from government officials and the absence of substantial action following repeated assaults.
In Benue State, a similar tragedy unfolded as suspected bandits killed two people in separate incidents within Gwer West Local Government Area.
The assaults occurred close to Atukpu village on the Taraku-Naka road and also along the Adoka-Naka route, exacerbating concerns among locals, particularly those residing in and around the council offices in Naka.
A local inhabitant, who introduced himself merely as Tionyo, stated that the paths heading towards Naka had turned hazardous.
"The murders escalated tensions within and around the local administration," he informed The PUNCH over the phone.
Victor Ormin, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, verified the reports of killings and voiced serious concerns about the rising instability in the region.
“A young man was killed on Taraku-Naka road while trying to get roofing materials for his house.
“A different individual was killed along the Adoka-Naka corridor. This seems to occur nearly every day now.”
You all are aware of how dangerous the Makurdi-Naka road has been lately.
"The implication is that the whole town of Naka is slowly becoming surrounded by criminal activities. It is no longer considered safe," cautioned Ormin.
He urged the Federal Government to support Governor Hyacinth Alia’s initiatives in addressing the crisis.
The Plateau and Benue states have seen extended periods of conflict, largely due to attacks by herdsmen, leaving local populations frequently as victims.
Last week, approximately 52 individuals lost their lives in Bokkos Local Government Area within Plateau State. This tragic event led Governor Caleb Mutfwang to sound an alert regarding the seizure of 64 communities by armed criminals.
Attempts to contact the spokespersons for the Plateau and Benue State Police Commands—Alabo Alfred and Catherine Anene, respectively—proved futile as repeated phone calls went unanswered.
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