Benue State in Nigeria has once again made news headlines for a very unfortunate reason. In late May 2025, over 40 people were killed during violent clashes between farmers and herders. The attacks happened across several villages in Gwer West, a local government area in Benue. The violence has left many families heartbroken, and many others displaced from their homes.

This article from Nairaland will help you understand what really happened, why this conflict keeps coming back, how the government is reacting, and what the future might hold for those affected.

Where Did the Attacks Happen?

The violence happened in four villages in Gwer West: Aondona, Ahume, Tyolaha, and Tse-Ubiam. The first attack took place on a Saturday night, and the next round followed on Sunday morning. In total, 42 people were reported dead, including women and children.

Local officials shared that even days later, some bodies were still being recovered. A Catholic priest was also seriously injured during the attacks and taken to a hospital. People in the area are scared and angry, with many now calling for urgent help and better security.

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Why Are Farmers and Herders Fighting?

The fight between farmers and herders is not new. It has been happening for many years in several parts of Nigeria, especially in Benue State. Farmers grow crops like yam, rice, and maize, and they need land to do that. Herders take care of cattle and need land for grazing.

The problem begins when the cattle enter farmlands and damage crops. This leads to arguments, and often, it turns into serious violence. These fights are sometimes planned, and weapons are used. Over the years, these clashes have become more deadly.

Several reasons make this conflict worse:

Lack of Land: As more people move into these areas, the fight for land becomes tighter.
Weather Problems: Droughts and floods have made it hard to find water and grass for cattle. Herders now move longer distances, sometimes into farmlands.
No Strong Rules: There is no clear agreement on where herders can take their cattle. Also, the laws that exist are not always followed.
Not Enough Police: Villages are not protected well. When something bad happens, help does not come quickly.

Visit Nairaland to see how locals are talking about this issue and sharing their views.

What Has the Government Said?

The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has spoken about the attacks. He called the violence “shocking” and said that it must stop. He also backed the local leaders who have been asking herders carrying weapons to leave the state.

In 2017, the Benue government made a law that bans open grazing. This means herders are not allowed to move around with their cattle anymore. Instead, they are supposed to use ranches, where cattle stay in one place. The idea was to reduce clashes by keeping farming and grazing separate.

But this law has not worked as expected. Many herders say they cannot afford to build ranches. Others simply ignore the rule. And there are not enough police officers to check who is following the law and who is not.

What Is the Impact on People?

The effects of these attacks are serious and heartbreaking. People are scared to live in their homes or go to their farms. Some have run to nearby towns or camps where they hope to stay safe.

Here’s how it is affecting daily life:

Deaths and Injuries: Families have lost loved ones. Some people are in hospitals with serious wounds.
Displacement: Many people had to leave their villages. They are now living in temporary shelters without proper food or clean water.
No Farming: Farmers are afraid to go back to their fields. This means less food will be grown, and prices may go up.
Children Miss School: Families who ran away had to pull their children out of school. This affects their future too.

At Nairaland, people from Nigeria and around the world are talking about these impacts and asking what can be done.

What Can Be Done to Stop This?

Many people believe the situation can be improved if the right steps are taken. Some ideas include:

Stronger Security: More police and army personnel should be sent to protect villages and stop attacks.
Support for Ranching: The government should help herders build proper ranches by giving them training and financial aid.
Clear Land Use Rules: There should be maps and documents that clearly show who owns what land.
Talks Between Groups: Farmers and herders should be brought together for peace talks. This can help build understanding and reduce hate.
Punishment for Crimes: Anyone caught attacking or destroying property should face proper punishment under the law.

What’s Next?

The people of Benue State are tired of this kind of news. Many just want to live in peace, grow their crops, take care of their cattle, and send their children to school. But for this to happen, both the state and national governments must take strong and fair action.

The recent killings are a wake-up call. The time for half measures is over. Without proper action, things could get even worse.

You can stay updated on this topic and other serious issues by visiting Nairaland, where real people share real stories, opinions, and news that matter. Whether it’s crime, politics, or daily challenges, Nairaland keeps the conversation going.