5 Most Dangerous Gunmen Attacks in Benue State

Benue State, Nigeria’s so-called “food basket,” has become a place where farming communities live in constant fear. 

Once known for its fertile lands and peaceful rural life, the state has seen waves of violent attacks mostly blamed on armed herdsmen, militia groups, and bandits.

These assaults have not only taken innocent lives but also shattered entire communities. Crops are abandoned, villages are deserted, and families are left mourning with no clear path to justice.

Here are five of the deadliest gunmen attacks Benue has experienced in recent years.

Yelewata and Daudu Massacre (June 13–14, 2025)

This recent tragedy in Guma Local Government Area might be the most horrific in Benue’s recent history.

Suspected herdsmen reportedly stormed the communities of Yelewata and Daudu at night, torching homes and killing scores. Some victims, including soldiers and civil defence officers, were burned alive in buildings set ablaze.

Official figures from the state emergency agency confirmed at least 59 deaths, but residents and human rights groups believe the toll could be closer to 200.

President Tinubu responded with a firm statement, vowing action and directing both the military and state government to restore peace. But for the people of Guma, the damage was already done.

Gwer West Attack (May 25, 2025)

Just weeks before the Yelewata killings, the village of Aondona in Gwer West came under siege.

At least 20 people were killed, and dozens more were injured when gunmen launched a coordinated raid, burning homes and gunning down villagers trying to escape.

This attack reignited anger across the state, with residents accusing the federal government of failing to act on earlier threats in the region.

Makurdi Killings (June 12, 2025)

Barely two days before the Yelewata massacre, gunmen struck again—this time in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa, both in Makurdi LGA.

Around 25 lives were lost in what looked like another calculated strike against defenseless villagers.

The back-to-back killings in Makurdi and Guma left many Benue residents wondering whether the state had become a war zone.

Guma Attacks of 2022 (April 11–12, 2022)

Though it happened under a different administration, this wave of attacks in Semaka, Tyotugh, and Gaambetiev villages remains one of Benue’s bloodiest.

Armed herdsmen stormed these Guma communities, killing at least 25 people and injuring many more.

The 2022 attacks revived debates about the need for state police, as local security structures proved incapable of protecting rural dwellers.

Odugbeho Massacre (June 7, 2021)

In Agatu LGA, the village of Odugbeho was turned into a killing field.

On a quiet night, suspected herdsmen invaded and opened fire on residents, killing over 40 people.

Despite past military interventions in Agatu, this massacre proved the violence was far from over. Locals continue to live with the trauma, and the community remains vulnerable.