Suspected terrorists, believed to be armed herdsmen, have taken control of 14 villages in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in Naka, the LGA headquarters. The displaced people, now living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Naka, fear the bandits are preparing to attack the town next, which remains the last safe zone in the area.
The recent surge in violence includes coordinated attacks on May 9, 2025, where at least nine farmers were killed in the villages of Ayilamo and Jato-Acka. Armed assailants reportedly stormed Jato-Acka, killing six people and burning homes before moving to Ayilamo to kill three more, including a Livestock Guard officer. These attacks reflect the ongoing farmer-herder conflict that has plagued Benue State for years.
Residents have raised alarms about the presence of bandits near Naka, drawing parallels to previous attacks in neighboring LGAs like Ukum and Logo. Despite repeated warnings, security forces have been accused of inaction, leaving locals feeling helpless and vulnerable. The Executive Chairman of Gwer West, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, imposed a 6:30 p.m. curfew across the council to curb movement and enhance security, but fears persist.
The crisis in Gwer West is part of a broader pattern of violence across Benue State, where over 50 communities in multiple LGAs have been overrun by armed herdsmen, according to reports from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA). Thousands have been displaced, with many living in makeshift shelters or IDP camps, while public amenities and farmlands have been destroyed.
Local leaders and displaced residents are calling for urgent government intervention to restore peace and security. The situation remains critical as communities continue to suffer from attacks, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.