In a decisive move to address persistent security threats, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, Hon. Ormin Torsar Victor, has instituted a curfew beginning at 6:30 p.m. each day.
The directive, which is now in force, is aimed at controlling evening movement both into and out of the local government area.
Victor issued the order in a Sunday statement, stressing the immediate need for compliance due to the ongoing unrest.
He urged all residents and visitors to ensure they reach their destinations before the cut-off time.
According to the chairman, the measure will remain active until the security situation improves significantly. Authorities plan to reassess the curfew once stability begins to return.
This move follows violent assaults in nearby communities on May 9, when suspected armed herders struck the villages of Jato-Acka and Ayilamo.
At least nine lives were lost in the attacks, which involved over 20 gunmen. Six people were killed and several houses torched in Jato-Acka before the attackers proceeded to Ayilamo, where three more individuals, including a local security operative, were murdered.
The fresh violence underscores the long-running clashes between herders and farmers in the region, prompting leaders to call for calm and community cooperation during this turbulent period.