Tragedy in Benue: APC Chieftain Johnson Akaabo, Six Others Killed in Herdsmen Attacks

Benue State has once again been thrown into mourning following deadly attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in two separate local government areas.
A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Johnson Akaabo, along with six other individuals, was reportedly killed in brutal assaults on rural communities in Gwer East and Makurdi Local Government Areas.
According to eyewitness accounts, the first attack occurred in the evening hours of Tuesday, when heavily armed assailants stormed the Mbatsada communities in the Mbalom and Mbasombo Council Wards of Gwer East LGA. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, leaving four people dead on the spot, including Mr. Akaabo, a well-known APC figure in the area.
A local resident, who requested anonymity due to fears for personal safety, said the invasion began around 4:30 p.m. "They came suddenly and started shooting at anyone in sight. It was chaotic and terrifying. We later found out that Mr. Johnson Akaabo and three others had been killed in the ambush," the source recounted.
Confirming the tragic incident, Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Adi, expressed deep sorrow and concern over the continuous targeting of farming communities in the state.
"We visited the affected villages accompanied by military personnel and were able to recover the corpses of the victims. The remains have since been deposited at St. Gregory Hospital mortuary," he stated.

Hon. Adi questioned the motive behind the attacks, noting that the victims were mostly farmers who had just resumed their seasonal agricultural activities. "Our people were simply trying to make an honest living through farming. It's heartbreaking that they had to meet such a cruel fate," he lamented.
He further commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his swift response to the crisis. "The governor’s timely intervention helped ensure that security forces were deployed quickly to prevent further loss of life. We are grateful for his support and leadership during this difficult time."
The chairman also extended appreciation to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies whose presence helped restore calm in the aftermath of the attack.

However, just as residents of Gwer East were coming to terms with the tragedy, another deadly assault was reported in Makurdi LGA. Around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, gunmen believed to be the same group of marauding herdsmen attacked the Tse Gever Nasemy community, located just 11 kilometers from Makurdi town.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire without warning, killing three residents. "It was an unprovoked assault. After the shooting, the attackers vanished as quickly as they came. The entire village has now been deserted, and people are fleeing for their lives," said one community member.
The attacks have sparked fears of an escalating humanitarian crisis, as displaced villagers seek refuge in nearby towns with little or no resources.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, for an official statement were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

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The renewed wave of violence highlights the persistent insecurity plaguing many rural areas of Benue State, raising urgent calls for enhanced security measures, justice for the victims, and lasting peace in the region.


By Primelineinfo