Several people, including former PDP Ward Chairman James Akase, have been reportedly killed in new attacks by suspected bandits in Benue State’s Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas.
The violent incidents reportedly took place on Monday, May 19, 2025, affecting a number of rural communities.
The villages targeted include Tse Ikpe Ago along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, as well as Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, described the attacks as coordinated strikes against defenseless farming communities.
“In Gwer West, Fulani militias ambushed and fatally shot Hon. James Akase from Tse-Defam in Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward,” the source disclosed.
Akase, who had previously fled due to earlier violence, was reportedly killed while returning to his farm to collect food.
“He went to his farm for food and was killed. Another person was abducted but released after a ransom was paid later the same night,” the source added.
Efforts to reach Guma LGA Chairman Maurice Orwough were unsuccessful, as his phone went unanswered.
Likewise, Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, was not available for comment despite repeated calls.