By Amos Aar
SUSPECTED armed herdsmen have launched renewed attacks on communities in Benue State, just days after traditional rulers issued a 10-day ultimatum for herders to vacate the state to allow for farming activities.
The Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty, Prof. James Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, John Elaigwu Odogbo, had issued the directive following escalating insecurity in the state.
In a statement on Saturday, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA raised alarm over fresh violence in the area. He reported that suspected Fulani militias shot a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo, along the Makurdi-Naka Road and attacked Tse Orbiam, a community near an army checkpoint.
“One body has been recovered, but the full extent of casualties remains unclear,” the chairman said. He also confirmed an attack on Ahume Village near Jimba earlier that day.
The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi confirmed the shooting of Rev. Fr. Atongo and called for prayers for his recovery.
A statement from the Bishop’s House, signed by Rev. Fr. Shima Ukpanya, urged the faithful to pray for the injured cleric as doctors worked to stabilize him.
In a separate incident, armed assailants attacked Yelewata community in Guma LGA late Saturday night. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers moved door-to-door, killing residents in their sleep.
Among the victims were a family of three, including a two-year-old child, while the mother sustained critical injuries.
Latest reports indicate that at least 10 people have been killed in the coordinated attacks across Gwer West and Guma LGAs.
The violence has heightened tensions in the state, with calls for immediate government intervention to restore security.
