Benue on fire as herdsmen Attack SGF Akume’s Hometown 48 Hours After Tinubu’s Visit

Benue on fire as herdsmen Attack SGF Akume’s Hometown 48 Hours After Tinubu’s Visit

Just 48 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Benue State to address the escalating security crisis, suspected herdsmen have launched a deadly attack on Wannune community in Tarka Local Government Area — the hometown of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

Eyewitnesses and local sources report that the assault resulted in multiple fatalities and left several others injured, though the exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed as of press time.

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the area described the situation as “chaotic and terrifying,” revealing that residents fled into surrounding bushes in a desperate bid for safety.

“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 distressed message, calling for urgent security intervention.

The attack comes in the wake of President Tinubu’s high-profile visit to the state, during which he condemned the persistent violence and directed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to track down those responsible for the recent wave of killings. His visit was largely prompted by the massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were reportedly killed — an incident that drew widespread national condemnation.

The fresh attack in Wannune raises concerns over the efficacy of federal directives and the government’s ability to restore peace in a region plagued by years of conflict between herders and farming communities.

Security forces have yet to issue an official statement regarding the latest violence, while residents continue to call for stronger military presence and lasting solutions to the recurring bloodshed.