Tragic Attack in Benue: Herdsmen Violence Claims 13 Lives

It was a quiet Sunday morning. Worshippers were preparing to attend church services. Who could predict such horror? At exactly 7 AM, the peaceful Azege settlement in Benue turned into a scene of grief and anguish.

Thirteen lives were lost, homes burned, dreams shattered. This is the most recent in a series of deadly herdsmen attacks plaguing Benue State.

Who Were the Victims?

The casualties were not just numbers; they were parents, children, young brides, and friends. Victims, stripped of their futures, include entire families caught off-guard as armed herdsmen raided their community.

One of the survivors relayed, “It was chaos. They had sophisticated weapons and attacked like they had planned everything.”

“I still can’t sleep,” shared a local farmer. “We live in fear every day, not knowing who’s next.”

The Aggressors: Increasing Attack Frequencies

Herdsmen are often believed to attack settlements with an insidious strategy. Over the past two months, Azege faced numerous threats before this catastrophic raid. Residents reported having seen armed herdsmen scouting the area days before the incident.

Destruction Beyond Life

Apart from the direct casualties, the herders wasted no time destroying harvested farmlands, torching homes, leaving trails of blood and fire in their wake.

Living Through the Aftermath

The horrifying attack left Azege desolate. Fear now rules the community. Many residents have fled to nearby towns, seeking safety while others are nursing wounds—both physical and emotional. At the Ayilamo PHC hospital, several survivors continue to fight for their lives.

“It’s like we’re abandoned,” said another villager, lamenting how residents have struggled for required support.

Local Reaction

The former caretaker chairman, Hon. Benjamin Uzenda, expressed his frustration. “We’ve reported these incidents to higher authorities countless times yet no sustainable solution has been provided.”

How Can This End?

Experts, local governments, and NGOs must collaborate to address recurrent herdsmen attacks in Nigeria. Innovative solutions like dialogue, ceasefires facilitated by impartial entities, or technology-backed initiatives are crucial for long-term recovery.