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Benue: Where Attacks, Killings by Armed Herders Have Become a Way of Life
By: Fabian Apechihin
17 killed in the last one month
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Widespread outrage continues to trail the unending killings in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, where armed herders have intensified their assaults on rural communities, leaving behind death, destruction, and despair.
The violence, which has drawn global condemnation, recently attracted the attention of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly threatened to authorise airstrikes to halt the killing of Christians in parts of the country.
Despite this spotlight, the bloodshed persists. Contrary to speculations of religious motives, investigations suggest the attacks are largely targeted land invasions by armed herders seeking control of fertile territories in the state.
Following the Yelewata massacre, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives in one night, President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to end the violence. Yet, the attacks have continued unabated, claiming new victims almost weekly.
Security personnel have also suffered casualties. Many officers have died in the line of duty, while others are left demoralised by the scale of weaponry deployed by the assailants.
Observers warn that the ongoing violence appears to be part of a systematic campaign to displace indigenous populations and occupy their ancestral lands.
In just the past one month, at least 17 people have been killed across different parts of Benue State in a wave of coordinated attacks.
- October 18: Armed herders reportedly seized farmlands and homes in Dyom settlement, Ukum LGA, setting up camps and displacing residents.
- October 27: Along the Otukpo–Ohimini axis, two security personnel — Abechi Oche of the Forest and Hunters Services and Inspector Akpan Ogbole of Operation Zenda — were killed during a stop-and-search operation. Their rifles were carted away.
- October 28: Kwande LGA Chairman, Vitalis Neji, narrowly escaped an ambush by armed herders. Two members of his convoy were killed, and several others wounded.
- October 29: In Mberev Ward, near the Benue–Taraba border, seven villagers were killed when assailants attempted to seize the area.
- November 1: Former councillor Atindiga Tsebee was ambushed and killed along the Ayilamo–Anyiin road after attending a security meeting. A member of the State House of Assembly reportedly escaped the attack.
That same day, herders set ablaze a rice farm worth over ₦20 million at Tse Orbiam, Gwer West LGA, after locals resisted grazing incursions. - November 3: Four persons were brutally murdered in Anwule community, Ohimini LGA, while others sustained severe injuries.
- November 4: A barber, Thomas Edeh, was hacked to death on his farm in Rijo community, Ado LGA.
Community leaders lament that these repeated attacks have turned daily life in Benue into a cycle of fear and mourning, as farmers abandon their lands and thousands remain displaced.
Despite mounting international concern and federal assurances, the killings show no sign of stopping — leaving many to wonder how long Benue people must live under siege in their own homeland.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Uncategorized
JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
Dr. Nafiu Sankara Emerges as Kano Central Senatorial Candidate Ahead of the Next Elections
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu Declared Winner of Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in Taraba
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