By Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Residents of Atukpu community in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State have abandoned their homes after suspected herdsmen killed two people near Naka, the council headquarters, on Tuesday.
Locals told our correspondent by phone that one victim was murdered in Atukpu village, just one kilometre from Naka along the Taraku-Naka road. The second was killed the same day on the Naka-Adoka road. They said the relentless attacks have sparked widespread fear, forcing people to flee with only a few belongings.
“All three major routes to Naka have become death traps due to constant bandit attacks,” a resident warned.
Gwer West LGA Chairman Mr Victor Ormin, confirmed the killings. “A young man was killed on Taraku-Naka road while trying to get roofing materials for his house,” he said. “Another person was murdered along the Adoka-Naka axis. This is happening almost daily now.”
He added that the Makurdi-Naka road is already unsafe, with Naka increasingly surrounded by criminals. “These attacks are now occurring within five kilometres of the town. Naka is no longer safe. It is quite worrisome,” he lamented.
Ormin noted that despite Governor Hyacinth Alia’s efforts to curb insecurity, the current security presence might be overstretched. Meanwhile, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, said she would confirm the incidents with the local Divisional Police Officer (DPO).