Bandits Kill Former Benue PDP Ward Chairman, Others in Fresh Attacks

Suspected bandits have launched renewed attacks on rural communities in Benue State, killing several residents, including Hon. James Akase, the immediate past PDP Ward Chairman. The coordinated assaults, which occurred on Monday, May 19, targeted villages in Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas.

According to local sources, the affected communities include Tse Ikpe Ago, along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward. Residents described the attacks as well-coordinated and aimed at unarmed farming populations.

In Gwer West, Fulani militias reportedly ambushed and killed Hon. Akase at his farm in Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward. He had been displaced by earlier violence but returned to the area in search of food when he was killed.

Confirming the incident, Gwer West Local Government Chairman Victor Ormin stated that Akase was attacked on his farm. Ormin also disclosed that another man was kidnapped the same day but was later released after his family paid a ransom.