Armed Assailants Assault Cargo Vehicle in Benue, Slay Driver, Abduct Travelers

Title: Shocking Incidents of Violence Remain Prevalent in Benue State

It's a grim tale unfolding along the Otukpo-Adoka highway in Benue State. Late Sunday night saw an ambush by suspected herdsmen who mercilessly attacked a commercial vehicle, killing the driver and abducting all passengers.

Our sources report that this vehicle, on its way from Abuja to Otukpo, was struck at around 11 p.m., with eyewitnesses claiming the assailants opened fire upon sighting the bus, causing the driver to lose control and crash into nearby bushes. Following the crash, the gunmen forcibly removed the passengers before disappearing into the night. The driver, a local from Adoka, was confirmed dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, Enugu State has witnessed another heinous assault, as unidentified gunmen believed to be armed robbers launched a deadly attack on a police checkpoint. This incident occurred on Thursday evening at Agbogugu, a town along the Enugu-Ozalla-Port Harcourt Old Road in Awgu Local Government Area. The attackers swiftly disarmed the officers, burnt a patrol van and a Sienna vehicle, and fled without any resistance.

Previous Tragedies

Recent months have seen numerous such tragic incidents in Benue State, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity in the region. As a matter of fact, attacks on May 11-12, 2025, resulted in the loss of 23 lives in multiple incidents across the state. Earlier, in April 2025, violence carried out by nomadic cattle herders claimed the lives of at least 56 people, as reported by local sources.

These attacks, often targeting Christian farmers and their communities, have left countless innocent people dead and destroyed properties. The community members have expressed their frustration and fear, pleading for increased security measures from the authorities to stem the tide of violence.

Investigations and the Future

While specific details about the investigations into these attacks are scarce, the Nigerian government and local security forces are under pressure to respond and provide protection for vulnerable rural communities like Benue State. Continuous attacks have sparked urgent demands for heightened security force presence and better safeguarding measures for these beleaguered communities.

In these difficult times, the residents of Benue State continue to call for help and seek solidarity, hoping for a future free from the specter of violence. As the situation remains volatile, it's crucial for all of us to recognize and lend our support to those affected, in pursuit of a safer, more harmonious nation.

Note: The aforementioned events are not exhaustive and serve as examples of the ongoing violence in Benue State.

On the brighter side, here are some recent developments and news items that might interest our readers:

The House of Representatives has invited the governors of Zamfara and Benue States, as well as leaders of several state assemblies for a crucial meeting.
The PDP has called for the immediate recall of suspended Benue lawmakers.
Ibrahim Emenari has assumed the position of Commissioner of Police in Benue State.
Fulani herdsmen have been asked to vacate a Benue community within 48 hours.
Armed herdsmen have displaced over 50 communities across five local government areas in Benue State.
A Benue community cries out for help as bandits kill seven traders in a fresh attack.

Intriguingly, the House of Representatives in Nigeria called for a crucial meeting with the governors of Zamfara and Benue States, along with leaders of several state assemblies, showcasing a collective concern over ongoing issues.
Amidst the volatile climate in Benue State, the PDP has called for the immediate recall of suspended Benue lawmakers, potentially signaling a shift in politics.
Ibrahim Emenari has officially taken over as Commissioner of Police in Benue State, aiming to strengthen law enforcement efforts and provide security for the beleaguered region.
Fulani herdsmen have been ordered to leave a Benue community within the next 48 hours, reinforcing the community's calls for increased security measures against the ongoing violence.
The ongoing violence in Benue State has led to the displacement of over 50 communities across five local government areas, highlighting the desperate need for effective resolution and better safeguarding measures.
Heartbreakingly, another Benue community cries out for help as bandits slaughter seven traders in a yet another brutal attack, underscoring the pervasive nature of crime and conflicts in Nigeria.