At least two farmers were tragically killed on Friday, September 26, 2025, in an attack by suspected armed herders in Naka, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were ambushed while working on their farms, with one identified as Tersue Felix Ape from the Akpagher community.
According to sources, security forces in Naka received a distress call after Tersue Felix Ape was shot dead. “Responding patrol and tactical teams reportedly recovered two bodies at the scene,” a source said. The corpses were later photographed and moved to the General Hospital mortuary in Naka.
The State Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into the incident and is working to track down the assailants. This latest attack in Naka adds to a long list of similar violent incidents in Benue, where thousands have been displaced and many more live in constant fear.
Community leaders and residents are calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to bring peace and security to the area. There is a growing demand for increased patrols and better intelligence to prevent such attacks in the future.
The identities of the second victim have not been confirmed as of the time of this report. Benue State has for years been a hotspot for violent clashes between farmers and herders, often fueled by disputes over land use and grazing rights.
These conflicts have led to loss of lives and destruction of farmlands, threatening the livelihood of many communities. As investigations continue, the people of Benue await swift justice for the victims and hope for lasting peace in their communities.
The Federal and State Governments have been urged to take stronger actions to protect farmers and resolve the ongoing herder-farmer crisis peacefully.
