Fresh Benue Attack Leaves Five Dead as Suspected Herdsmen Strike Rural Community

A fresh wave of violence has claimed lives in Nigeria’s North-Central region, with at least five people reportedly killed following an attack by suspected armed herders in Benue State, Global Mirror News has gathered.

The attack occurred in Tse Ameen community, located in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area, where residents said gunmen stormed the area late Saturday night, April 18, unleashing violence on unsuspecting villagers.

Local sources told reporters that the assailants invaded the quiet settlement under the cover of darkness, triggering panic as residents fled for safety. By Sunday, five bodies—identified as three males and two females—had been recovered, while several others were still unaccounted for.

A community member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed in a telephone interview that the situation remained tense, with fears that the casualty figure could rise as search efforts continue.

However, the Benue State Police Command provided a slightly different figure. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident, stating that four bodies had been officially recovered.

“The incident is confirmed. Four dead bodies were recovered,” the police spokesperson said, without providing further details on ongoing security operations or arrests.

The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges in Benue State and the broader Middle Belt region, where clashes between herders and farming communities have continued to fuel instability, displacement, and loss of lives.

Efforts to restore calm in the affected area are reportedly ongoing, though residents remain on edge amid fears of further investigations.