Gunmen killed 25 people during weekend attacks across Benue state. Armed groups struck two different communities and left families mourning their dead. Local leaders confirmed the deaths and warned about more danger ahead. Police officers arrived at both crime scenes but stayed quiet about numbers. The violence continues a deadly pattern that has plagued the region for years.
Attackers murdered 14 residents on Sunday at Ankpali community. Adam Ochega leads the local government and spoke about continuing threats. Armed men also hit Naka village the same evening and killed 11 more people. Officials blame Fulani militia groups for both deadly raids. Five wounded victims survived the Naka attack and received medical care.
Fulani herders and local farmers fight over land and water rights. The herders move cattle across farming areas and destroy crops. Farmers strike back against the herders and poison their animals. Climate change makes the competition worse as good land becomes harder to find. Both groups claim the other side attacks first and kills innocent people.
Benue state suffers the worst violence between these competing groups. Amnesty International counted 6,896 deaths over two years across the region. Weak police forces cannot stop revenge attacks that cross community lines. More than 150 people died during April violence that spread to nearby Plateau state. Political tensions make the religious and ethnic divisions even more dangerous.
Attackers murdered 14 residents on Sunday at Ankpali community. Adam Ochega leads the local government and spoke about continuing threats. Armed men also hit Naka village the same evening and killed 11 more people. Officials blame Fulani militia groups for both deadly raids. Five wounded victims survived the Naka attack and received medical care.
Fulani herders and local farmers fight over land and water rights. The herders move cattle across farming areas and destroy crops. Farmers strike back against the herders and poison their animals. Climate change makes the competition worse as good land becomes harder to find. Both groups claim the other side attacks first and kills innocent people.
Benue state suffers the worst violence between these competing groups. Amnesty International counted 6,896 deaths over two years across the region. Weak police forces cannot stop revenge attacks that cross community lines. More than 150 people died during April violence that spread to nearby Plateau state. Political tensions make the religious and ethnic divisions even more dangerous.
