Benue State, Nigeria – April 18, 2025 | SpringNewsNG Media Limited —
Tragedy struck in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Good Friday as suspected armed herdsmen launched a brutal ambush on Christian worshippers, killing at least 10 people and injuring dozens more.

The assault took place in the early hours of Friday, April 18, 2025, as residents of Gbagir community made their way to church for Good Friday observances, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately, targeting anyone in sight.

“They stormed the village around 6 a.m. and began shooting sporadically while people were heading to church,” said a local source, Mr. Iornenge, who also confirmed that the bodies of the deceased were being transported to the traditional ruler’s palace.

Community in Mourning Amid Rising Insecurity

According to witnesses, over 25 villagers sustained serious injuries, while several others remain missing. Among the dead were women and children, fueling outrage across the community.

This tragic event follows a similar attack just a day earlier—on Thursday, April 17—in Chito, a neighboring community. Two local farmers were killed in that incident, prompting growing fears over the resurgence of armed militia violence across the region.

“These herders attacked Chito yesterday and returned today to Gbagir. It’s clear we’ve been abandoned by the government,” a visibly distressed resident lamented.

Benue Government Confirms Killings

Benue State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mathew Abo, confirmed the attack, stating that five bodies were recovered, while three survivors are currently receiving medical attention in a hospital in Zaki Biam.

“There has been a noticeable influx of heavily armed herdsmen in Ukum LGA in recent days,” Abo said. “They arrived with herds of cattle and have been grazing openly on people’s farmlands. The attacks, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday and have also spread into Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs, although the situation is relatively calm for now.”

National Outcry as Killings Escalate

Christian organizations and advocacy groups have condemned the rising wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States. The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, led by James Paul Adama, called on the federal government and international bodies to intervene urgently.

“The increase in mass burials and unchecked violence is unacceptable,” Adama stated. “We urge President Tinubu to take decisive steps before more lives are lost.”

Atiku, Tinubu React to Violence

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also decried the killings, describing them as a “grim reflection of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.” Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed national security agencies to launch a full-scale investigation into the attack and bring those responsible to justice.

Plateau State Suffers Similar Tragedy

In a related development, the Zike community of Plateau State is still mourning after 51 people were buried following another deadly attack earlier this week. Community leaders expressed frustration over the federal government’s perceived inaction and called for immediate deployment of security forces to prevent further massacres.