In a devastating spree of violence across Nigeria’s central Benue state, at least 42 lives were brutally lost in a series of herder-related attacks during the weekend, according to local officials. The assault, carried out by suspected herders, has left a trail of destruction and grief in the Gwer West district, a region already grappling with violent conflicts and tensions.

The deadly onslaught began on Saturday when the villages of Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam were seized by assailants, resulting in the deaths of 10 residents, as confirmed by Victor Omnin, chairman of the Gwer West local government. The violence intensified the following day in nearby communities, with Sunday’s attacks on the villages of Ahume and Aondona claiming an additional 32 lives. The victims, whose identities remain unconfirmed at this time, suffered gunshot wounds inflicted indiscriminately in what local authorities describe as deadly raids.

Adding to the tragedy, the office of Benue Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia reported that a Catholic priest was caught in the crossfire and was concurrently shot by the attackers. The priest is currently in critical but stable condition, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence and its toll on innocent civilians and religious figures alike.

Local officials and residents have expressed profound grief and outrage over the attacks, demanding urgent action to curb the violence and protect communities. The herders believed to be behind these assaults have yet to be identified or apprehended, but security agencies have launched investigations into the heinous crimes.

This recent violence marks a troubling chapter in the ongoing crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where clashes between herders and farmers have frequently escalated into deadly confrontations. As the community mourns the loss of their loved ones, calls for increased security and diplomatic intervention grow louder, with many lamenting the persistent cycle of violence that continues to devastate the region.

RNG247 will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.