Bandits Kill Benue PDP Leader James Akase And Others In Fresh Attacks

Suspected bandits have launched new attacks in Benue State, killing several people across Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas.

Among the victims was James Akase, the former PDP Ward Chairman.

According to local sources, the attacks happened on Monday, May 19, 2025, and targeted multiple rural villages.

The affected communities include Tse Ikpe Ago, located along the Yogbo-Gyungu Aze road in Mbayer/Yandev Ward, and Tse Kologa in Mbagune, Nyiev Ward.

A resident who spoke anonymously to journalists in Makurdi described the incidents as well-planned assaults on peaceful farming communities.

“In Gwer West, the Fulani militias ambushed and brutally murdered Hon. James Akase of Tse-Defam, Mba’akov Vengav, Avihijime Council Ward,” the source said

Akase had reportedly returned to his village, where he had previously been displaced due to insecurity, to gather food.

Confirming the k!lling, Gwer West Local Government Chairman, Victor Ormin, told journalists that Akase was attacked on his farm.

“He went to get some food from his farm and was unfortunately k!lled. Another man was also kidnapped yesterday, but his family paid a ransom, and he was released later in the night,” Ormin said.

Efforts to reach Guma LGA Chairman, Maurice Orwough, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

KanyiDaily recalls that suspected bandits also killed three people and a traditional ruler in the Okoloke community of Yagba West, Kogi State.