Bloodshed has returned to Benue as suspected herdsmen strike just days after Tinubu’s visit.
Fear grips Wannune residents as homes burn and families flee deep into the surrounding bushes.
UPDATE: Police Say Ex-Convict, Not Herdsmen, Behind Benue Killing
Suspected herdsmen have carried out a deadly attack on Wannune community in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State, the hometown of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. The incident happened just two days after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the state to address ongoing security challenges.
The attack led to the loss of several lives, while many others sustained injuries. Panic spread quickly through the area, forcing residents to run into the surrounding bushes for safety.
A youth corps member serving in the community described the situation as horrifying. “Everyone is running into the bushes for safety. Please let Nigerians pray for us. The herdsmen are ravaging the environment now,” the corps member said in a distress message, pleading with security agencies to intervene immediately.
This renewed violence has raised serious questions about the outcome of President Tinubu’s visit and the effectiveness of the security orders he issued. During his recent trip to Benue, the President met with local leaders and instructed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defense Staff to go after those responsible for the killings.
His visit followed an earlier incident in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where more than 200 people were reportedly killed in a separate attack. That massacre drew nationwide criticism and calls for stronger security action.
Residents of Wannune and nearby communities are now calling for urgent protection and a lasting solution to the repeated attacks.
