Nigeria is reeling from another wave of deadly violence as attacks by armed herdsmen and bandits claimed at least 42 lives across Benue, Nasarawa, and Ondo states, sparking mass outrage, protests, and calls for urgent government intervention.
Massacre in Nasarawa: Pregnant Woman Among Victims
In Nasarawa State, a violent clash between farmers and herdsmen left 20 people dead, including a pregnant woman. The attack, which erupted in Nasarawa Local Government Area (LGA), also saw houses, motorcycles, and a police patrol vehicle set ablaze. While the police confirmed recovering six bodies, witnesses insisted that the actual death toll was much higher, with many still missing.
The Nasarawa State Police Command deployed personnel to restore order, but not before angry youths took to the streets in protest, condemning the government’s inability to curb the rising attacks.
Benue Boils as Irate Youths Set Buildings Ablaze
In Benue State, three members of the Civil Protection Guards were reportedly ambushed and killed by suspected herdsmen while on duty in Gwer West LGA. The discovery of their bodies fueled anger among residents, who launched violent protests in Naka, setting fire to the local government secretariat and the palace of the Gwer West traditional ruler, HRH Daniel Abomtse.
A hotel owned by Senator Titus Zam was also targeted, as furious demonstrators accused the government of failing to protect communities from persistent attacks. Council chairman Victor Omirin confirmed that hoodlums later hijacked the protests, escalating the destruction.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, assuring residents that the perpetrators would not escape justice. However, he also urged restraint, warning against retaliatory destruction of properties.
Ondo Residents Protest Kidnappings, Demand Action
In Ondo State, tension peaked following the abduction of nine surveyors in Akure South LGA. Market women and youths took to the streets, blocking roads and demanding immediate action from security agencies. The abductors have reportedly demanded a staggering N100 million ransom, fueling fears about the growing insecurity in the region.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Bola Taiwo, blamed the surveyors for venturing into the area without security escorts, a statement that sparked further outrage. Protesters argued that the government should be ensuring their safety rather than blaming victims for their plight.
Ondo Communities Under Siege as Bandits Strike Again
Four communities in Akure North LGA—Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun—were reportedly attacked by armed bandits, leaving 20 people dead. The regent of Ademekun, Princess Adekemisola, confirmed the killings, explaining that the attackers were retaliating over the alleged slaughter of their cattle.
While the Ondo State government denied any such attacks, the police confirmed bandits did invade some communities and that efforts were underway to track down the perpetrators.
Growing Fear and Frustration
Across the three states, the rising wave of attacks has left communities devastated. Residents are calling on the government to take decisive action against armed herdsmen and bandits, fearing that their villages are becoming war zones.
The Ooye Development Initiatives (ODI), an Akure-based civil group, has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritize security, warning that residents are becoming sitting ducks in the face of relentless killings and kidnappings.
With no clear end in sight to these deadly clashes, Nigerians are left wondering—how many more lives must be lost before real action is taken?
