Crime

Bloodshed in Benue, Borno: Armed Herders, Boko Haram Kill Soldiers, Civilians

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on August 12th, 2025.

Tragedy struck in parts of Benue and Borno States over the weekend as armed herders and Boko Haram insurgents launched separate attacks, leaving soldiers and civilians dead in their wake.

Benue: Armed Herders Invade Rural Communities

In Benue State, residents of several rural communities were forced to flee after heavily armed herders reportedly stormed farmlands and villages in the early hours of Sunday. Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived on motorcycles, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze.

Local sources confirmed that the violence claimed the lives of at least three soldiers and several civilians who attempted to resist the invasion. “They came without warning, firing everywhere. The soldiers tried to repel them but were overpowered by their numbers and weapons,” one community leader recounted.

The Benue State Government has condemned the attack, calling it “another tragic reminder of the insecurity plaguing farming communities” and urging federal authorities to reinforce security in the area.

Borno: Boko Haram Resurgence Claims Lives

In Borno State, Boko Haram fighters ambushed a military patrol along a major highway linking Maiduguri to Damboa. Military sources revealed that the insurgents detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before opening fire on the convoy.

At least four soldiers were killed, with multiple others injured. Several civilian commuters were caught in the crossfire, adding to the death toll. The Nigerian Army has vowed to hunt down the perpetrators, stating that “no act of terror will go unanswered.”

Nationwide Concern Over Rising Violence

These twin incidents have reignited fears about the country’s worsening security situation, especially in rural and conflict-prone regions. Analysts warn that the simultaneous assaults underscore the need for a coordinated counter-insurgency strategy that addresses both armed herder conflicts and extremist terrorism.

Human rights groups are also calling for urgent humanitarian intervention, noting that displaced families from the affected areas are now in desperate need of shelter, fo

od, and medical care.