Hobnob News — A fresh wave of violence has rocked Benue State as a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), James Akase, and three others were gruesomely killed in renewed attacks by suspected armed herders in Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas.
Akase, who once led the PDP in Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward of Gwer West LGA, was reportedly gunned down on Monday afternoon. Sources from his community revealed that he had returned to his ancestral home—after being previously displaced by herders—to scavenge for food when the armed attackers struck and fatally shot him.
On the same day, three additional victims lost their lives in separate assaults on Guma LGA communities, including Tse Ikpe Ago, situated along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Council Ward.
Public Affairs Analyst, Samuel Aondohemba, described the attacks as “coordinated and unprovoked,” lamenting the deepening humanitarian crisis in the state. “These senseless killings are a grim reminder of the persistent bloodshed our people continue to endure in Benue State. Several others were wounded and are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals,” he stated.
Gwer West LGA Chairman, Victor Ormin, confirmed the tragic killing of the PDP chieftain. “The deceased was only trying to get some food from his farm when he met his death,” he said.
Ormin also disclosed that another resident abducted on Monday was later released after a ransom was paid to the attackers.
Efforts to reach Guma LGA Chairman, Maurice Orwough, and the State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, proved unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
The recurring violence has reignited calls for urgent security intervention to protect lives and property in the troubled region.
