Benue Killings: Army Apprehends 3 Suspects as Violence Escalates

Fresh violence in Benue’s Guma Local Government Area has led to the detention of three armed men suspected of involvement in the recent spate of attacks that have left dozens dead and communities displaced.

The arrests were confirmed by the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division, which said the suspects were taken into custody during a coordinated sweep of the conflict‑prone district.

The operation follows a series of coordinated assaults by suspected herdsmen on the villages of Daudu and Yelewata, where witnesses reported homes being torched and families trapped in the blaze. Official figures now list 59 fatalities, though local NGOs and eyewitnesses estimate the death toll could exceed 200, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis.

The military’s intervention, under the command of Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant‑General Olufemi Oluyede, involved deploying additional troops and establishing a temporary command post in Makurdi to oversee ground operations.

In a statement, the Army highlighted that the three suspects were apprehended with weapons and ammunition, and that investigations are ongoing to identify any wider network behind the attacks.

The operation also uncovered a cache of firearms, including an AK‑47 and a GPMG, alongside dozens of rounds of live ammunition, suggesting a level of organization that goes beyond spontaneous clashes.

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his directive for “swift and decisive action” against the perpetrators, while urging security agencies to prioritize the protection of civilians. The presidency announced that a high‑level security committee will review the response and consider measures such as a state of emergency to restore stability.

Human rights groups, including the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), have warned that the violence meets the threshold of crimes against humanity and called for an impartial international inquiry. Community leaders, meanwhile, continue to demand disarmament of militia groups, compensation for victims, and long‑term development programs to address the root causes of farmer‑herder conflicts.

The situation remains fluid as military patrols intensify and humanitarian agencies scramble to provide relief to displaced families.

Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.