Gunmen unleashed fresh waves of violence in Nigeria’s North-Central region on Tuesday, with separate attacks in Plateau and Benue states leaving four people dead and escalating fears of insecurity.
In Plateau State, suspected armed herders reportedly launched coordinated night attacks on Irigwe communities within the Bassa Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two residents. The assaults targeted three distinct locations: Zashi of Kperie in Kwall District, the vicinity of MODACS Hotel near the College of Accountancy, and Twin Hill (Gyu) in Miango District.
Joseph Yonkpa, the National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, confirmed the tragic events and identified the victims as 19-year-old Abba Sunday Ngah and 47-year-old Azie Daniel. He expressed the community’s deep sorrow, stating, “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 detailed the locations of the “devastating ambushes” and noted that Mr. Abba Sunday Ngah was “brutally murdered” at Zashi, with his motorcycle stolen, while Mr. Azie Daniel was killed near MODACS Hotel. He added that residents at Twin Hill narrowly escaped the attack. Yonkpa also lamented the perceived inaction of government authorities in response to the recurring violence.
A similar tragedy unfolded in Benue State’s Gwer West Local Government Area, where suspected bandits killed two people in separate incidents. A local resident named Tionyo reported that the attacks occurred near Atukpu village along the Taraku–Naka road and along the Adoka–Naka axis, heightening fear among residents, particularly around the council headquarters in Naka. Tionyo described the routes leading into Naka as increasingly dangerous.
Victor Ormin, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, confirmed the killings and voiced grave concern over the escalating 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,” he said. Ormin also highlighted the long-standing insecurity of the Makurdi-Naka road, warning that “the entire town of Naka is gradually being encircled by criminal elements. Naka is no longer safe.” He urged the Federal Government to increase support for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s efforts to address the crisis.
Plateau and Benue states have long been plagued by violence, largely attributed to herder-farmer clashes. Just last week, approximately 52 people were killed in the Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau, prompting Governor Caleb Mutfwang to raise alarms about the alleged occupation of 64 communities by armed bandits. Attempts to reach the police spokespersons for Plateau and Benue states for comment were unsuccessful.
