Gunmen massacre at least 20 people in Benue state, Nigeria

In a tragic incident over the weekend, a violent attack occurred in a village within the Gwer West area of Benue state, Nigeria, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 individuals. The attack took place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, as confirmed by local government officials. Ormin Torsar Victor, the chairman of the local government, shared details of the incident through a video posted on his Facebook page, showcasing the aftermath of the violence and the loss of innocent lives, including a young child. While the initial reports from local authorities indicated a higher death toll, police spokesperson Anene Sewuese confirmed that four people had been killed; however, such discrepancies between local and official accounts of casualties are not uncommon in Nigeria. The investigative aspect of this attack remains unclear, shedding light on the broader context of violence in northern Nigeria. Historical tensions between herders and farmers, particularly in Nigeria's northern region, often give rise to such destructive conflicts. The farmers and local community members frequently blame herders, primarily of Fulani origin, for endangering their livelihoods by grazing livestock on their farmlands and damaging crops. Conversely, herders assert that they are following traditional grazing routes acknowledged by law since 1965. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, labeling it a heinous act and emphasizing how it reflects the ongoing violence and lawlessness that afflict the region. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for effective resolution of farmer-herder clashes and a greater focus on ensuring the security and safety of vulnerable communities in Nigeria.