Gunmen killed at least 20 people in Aondona village, Gwer West area, Benue State

Over the weekend, gunmen attacked Aondona village in the Gwer West area of Benue State, Nigeria, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. Local authorities reported the incident, with discrepancies between official and local reports regarding the death toll. The attackers’ identity remains unclear, but such incidents are common due to ongoing tensions between herders and farmers over land and water resources.

The attack occurred on Sunday, with local government chairman Ormin Torsar Victor confirming the deaths in a video posted on his Facebook page. The graphic footage showed what appeared to be three corpses on the ground, including a young child. However, police spokesperson Anene Sewuese reported a lower death toll of four, including a police officer who was responding to the raid. This discrepancy highlights the frequent differences between official and local reports in such incidents.

The identity of the attackers remains unclear, but such incidents are common in Nigeria’s northern region, where local herders and farmers often clash over limited access to land and water. Farmers accuse the herders, mostly of Fulani origin, of grazing their livestock on their farms … The herders insist that the lands.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident, calling it a “heinous act” … a sign of escalating violence in the region. The attack follows a similar incident last month when gunmen, believed to be … the area. The governor urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and restore peace to the affected communities.

The recurring violence underscores the need for effective conflict resolution strategies to address the underlying issues between herders and farmers. The government has been urged to enforce existing laws, such as the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, to prevent further bloodshed and ensure the safety of all citizens.

In the aftermath of the attack, residents have called for increased security presence and support from both state and federal authorities. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between herders and farmers to foster mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence. The situation remains tense, and efforts are ongoing to provide assistance to the affected communities and prevent future incidents.