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A very sad event has happened in Benue State. At least 10 Christian worshippers were killed by armed herdsmen on Good Friday, April 18, 2025.
The attack happened in the early hours of the morning at Gbagir community, Ukum Local Government Area. The victims were on their way to church to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ when the herdsmen attacked them.
A man from the community, Tersur Iornenge, said the armed herdsmen came around 6:00 a.m. and started shooting at anyone they saw. Many people ran for their lives, but not everyone could escape.
The bodies of those who died were taken to the palace of the traditional ruler, and many people in the community are heartbroken. The attack didn’t stop there—these same armed herdsmen had also attacked another nearby community called Chito the day before (Thursday, April 17), where two farmers were killed.
Tersur said, “They came to Chito first, then entered our village the next day and killed 10 people. Some were women and children. Many others are injured, and some people are still missing.”
More than 25 people were said to be seriously injured and are now receiving treatment. Others are still being searched for.
Benue State’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr. Mathew Abo, confirmed the attack. He said five bodies have been found so far, and three injured people are in the hospital in Zaki Biam.
He also said there has been a recent increase in the number of armed herdsmen in the area. These herders came with many cows and sheep, and they are grazing freely on people’s farmlands, which is causing a lot of problems.
According to him, “The attack started on Thursday and continued till Friday. It has also affected other local government areas like Logo and Katsina-Ala. Even though things are a bit calm now, the situation is still worrying.”
This is yet another painful moment for the people of Benue. Innocent lives were lost on a day meant to honour the death of Jesus. It is heartbreaking to see worshippers attacked just for going to church. Many Nigerians are now asking: How long will this continue?
We pray for the families of the victims and hope that peace returns to Ukum and other parts of Benue.
May the souls of the dead rest in peace.
