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Fresh violence erupted in Plateau and Benue states on Tuesday as gunmen carried out separate attacks, killing four people and stoking renewed fears of insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
In Plateau State, two residents of Irigwe communities in Bassa Local Government Area were killed in what has been described as coordinated night attacks by suspected armed herders.
The assaults targeted three different locations: Zashi of Kperie in Kwall District, an area near MODACS Hotel by the College of Accountancy, and Twin Hill (Gyu) in Miango District.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, Joseph Yonkpa, confirmed the incident and identified the victims as 19-year-old Abba Sunday Ngah and 47-year-old Azie Daniel.
“Tragedy has struck our community once again. Barely 24 hours after we laid our beloved brothers of Hwrra village to rest, Fulani militias launched three separate attacks on Irigwe communities yesterday night April 8, 2025,” Yonkpa said.
“The marauders carried out devastating ambushes in three locations: Zashi of Kperie, Kwall district; MODACS Hotel beside the College of Accountancy, Kwall; and Twin Hill (Gyu) of Miango district.
“In these attacks, two innocent lives were lost. Mr Abba Sunday Ngah, 19 years old, was brutally murdered at Zashi, Kperie, and his motorcycle was carted away by the militias. Mr Azie Daniel, 47 years old, was also killed beside MODACS Hotel, Kwall.
“The victims at Twin Hill, Miango district, narrowly escaped the attack,” he added.
Yonkpa also lamented the silence of government authorities and the lack of tangible intervention in the wake of recurring attacks.
In Benue State, a similar tragedy unfolded as suspected bandits killed two people in separate incidents within Gwer West Local Government Area.
The attacks took place near Atukpu village along the Taraku–Naka road and another along the Adoka–Naka axis, intensifying fears among residents, especially those in and around the council headquarters in Naka.
A local resident, who identified himself simply as Tionyo, said that routes leading into Naka had become dangerous.
“The killings had heightened tension in and around the local government,” he told The PUNCH.
The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, Victor Ormin, confirmed the killings and expressed deep concern over the increasing insecurity in the area.
“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.”
“You all know how unsafe the Makurdi-Naka road has been for a while.
“The implication is that the entire town of Naka is gradually being encircled by criminal elements. Naka is no longer safe,” Ormin warned.
He called on the Federal Government to bolster efforts by Governor Hyacinth Alia in tackling the crisis.
Plateau and Benue states have been flashpoints of prolonged violence attributed to herder invasions, with locals often bearing the brunt.
Just last week, about 52 people were killed in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to raise alarm over the occupation of 64 communities by armed bandits.
The spokespersons for the Plateau and Benue State Police Commands—Alabo Alfred and Catherine Anene, respectively—were yet to speak on incidents
