Several individuals have reportedly lost their lives and many others sustained serious injuries following a brutal overnight attack by suspected herdsmen on Mtsewnem, a settlement within Akondutyough village located in the North Bank axis of Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

According to local sources, the terrifying incident unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, around 3:00 a.m., when the attackers stormed the peaceful community, ambushing residents while they were still asleep. The sound of gunfire and cries for help shattered the silence of the night, leaving the village in chaos and despair.

Victims Attacked in Their Sleep

Eyewitnesses who spoke under anonymity due to safety concerns recounted the horrifying scene, stating that the assailants operated with coordinated precision, moving house to house and unleashing mayhem on unsuspecting families.

One local resident described the invasion as “swift and merciless,” adding, “They came while everyone was asleep. People were caught off guard, and many didn’t have a chance to escape. It was like a nightmare.”

The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but initial reports suggest that multiple residents were killed, with others critically injured and rushed to nearby health facilities. Some survivors remain unaccounted for, sparking fears that the death toll could rise.

Humanitarian Advocate Condemns Attack

Reacting to the harrowing incident, Benue-based humanitarian worker and human rights advocate Ukan Kurugh expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the continued insecurity in the region.

In an emotional social media statement, Kurugh wrote:

“At 3:00 a.m. today, I received a heartbreaking distress call, accompanied by chilling video footage and photographs of yet another suspected herdsmen attack.This time, the horror unfolded in North Bank, less than a 40-minute drive from Makurdi town. These brazen attackers continue to strike with impunity, undeterred by the presence of state and federal authorities. They have defied the President, the Governor, and our entire security apparatus.”

He added:

“To the wounded and to the families who lost loved ones, my heart grieves with you. Your pain is our pain. We will not turn away. We will not be silent. We are wide awake and we will continue to speak, to mourn, and to demand action.”

Kurugh’s message has since drawn widespread support and engagement online, amplifying calls for stronger government intervention to protect vulnerable communities from repeated violence.

Rising Insecurity in Benue’s Rural Communities

This latest tragedy adds to a troubling pattern of violent incursions across Benue State, a region that has seen an alarming number of attacks attributed to suspected armed herdsmen. Many of these attacks, particularly in border and rural areas, have resulted in the displacement of thousands of residents and destruction of farmlands.

The North Bank area, once considered a relatively safe zone within Makurdi, has now come under the spotlight due to its increasing vulnerability. Community leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly raised alarms over deteriorating security, accusing authorities of failing to deploy adequate protection or provide timely responses to distress calls.

Police Response Still Pending

As of the time of this report, efforts to obtain an official statement from the Benue State Police Command proved unsuccessful. Multiple attempts to reach the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Edet Udeme, were unanswered, leaving the public awaiting confirmation and further details from security authorities.

Residents in the area have urged security agencies to swiftly respond and begin thorough investigations into the attack. Some are demanding the immediate deployment of troops or special forces to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace.

Calls for Government Accountability

Thursday’s attack has triggered renewed criticism of the federal and state governments’ handling of the broader security crisis in Benue and other parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. Critics argue that despite numerous security summits, task forces, and assurances, the violence persists—often with little consequence for the perpetrators.

In response to the wave of violence, activists and community leaders have called for the full implementation of anti-grazing laws, improved border surveillance, and stronger intelligence-sharing between security agencies.

Ukan Kurugh and others continue to urge civil society and the public to remain vocal and vigilant.

“We must not forget these victims. Each attack chips away at the soul of our communities. We cannot become numb to this violence,” Kurugh emphasized.

A Region in Mourning, a Nation on Edge

As the community of Mtsewnem buries its dead and tends to the wounded, the broader Benue population remains gripped by fear. Many are left wondering when — or if — they can expect safety in their own homes.

For now, the residents of North Bank, and indeed all of Benue, wait anxiously for action—not just words—from those entrusted with protecting their lives and livelihoods.