By Parrot Newspaper 
Outrage as Herdsmen, Bandits Massacre 42 in Benue, Nasarawa, Ondo
By Ricky Awodi
Nigeria was rocked by fresh waves of violence and protests yesterday as three states—Benue, Nasarawa, and Ondo—boiled with rage over the brutal killings of no fewer than 28 people by herdsmen and bandits. The attacks, which left communities in ruins and security agencies overwhelmed, have further deepened concerns over the country’s worsening insecurity.
Nasarawa: Bloodshed and Destruction
A deadly clash between farmers and herdsmen in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State led to the killing of at least 20 people, including a pregnant woman. Dozens were left wounded, while houses, motorcycles, and a police operational vehicle were set ablaze in the carnage.
The state’s police command confirmed that six bodies had been recovered, though eyewitnesses reported that the actual death toll could be much higher. Many residents remain missing, raising fears that the number of casualties might increase in the coming days.
Ondo: Fear and Protest Over Kidnappings and Killings
Tension flared in Ondo State as market women and youths took to the streets to protest the kidnap of nine surveyors, amid confusion over the sacking of four communities and the killing of 20 people in Akure North Local Government Area by suspected bandits.
The incident has sparked conflicting reactions from the state government, security agencies, and the regent of the affected communities, as questions mount over the handling of security in the state. Residents are demanding immediate action to curb the rising cases of abductions and violent attacks.
Benue: Youths Revolt Over Unchecked Herdsmen Attacks
Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State witnessed intense chaos as irate youths, angered by the murder of three Civil Protection Guards by suspected herdsmen, stormed the council secretariat in Naka and set it ablaze. The Palace of the Chairman of the Gwer West Traditional Council, HRH Daniel Abomtse, was also torched in the violent protests.
In their rampage, the mob also torched several other properties, including a hotel belonging to Senator Titus Zam, the lawmaker representing Benue North West in the Senate.
A local source who spoke to Parrot Newspaper described the protest as a reaction to years of government inaction. “The youths were not only angered by the murder of the three local security personnel but also by the fact that the government is not doing enough to check the unending incursions and killings in Gwer West LGA by armed herdsmen. This is a revolt and demonstration of bottled-up anger over the activities of armed herdsmen in our communities.”
A Nation on Edge
The latest wave of killings and reprisals further highlights the fragile security situation in many parts of Nigeria. As the federal and state governments struggle to contain these attacks, citizens are growing increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of decisive action.
The question remains: how much longer will communities endure these bloodbaths before concrete steps are taken to end the cycle of violence?