Panic and sorrow have once again gripped residents of Logo Local Government Area in Benue State after a brutal ambush by suspected armed herdsmen claimed the life of a prominent community leader and former councillor, Hon. Atindiga Tsebee. The tragic attack, which occurred along the Ayilamo–Anyiin Road near Tsukwa village, has forced many villagers to flee their homes in fear of renewed violence.
According to local sources, Hon. Tsebee was returning from a crucial security meeting organized to address the increasing attacks in the area when he was ambushed. He was accompanied by another community leader, Zaki Terngu Iorhuna, who narrowly escaped death. The attackers reportedly opened fire on their vehicle, killing Tsebee on the spot before disappearing into nearby bushes.
How the Attack Happened
Eyewitnesses described the incident as a coordinated ambush, suggesting that the killers had prior knowledge of the victims’ movements. The meeting they attended had focused on measures to protect farming communities from continuous herdsmen incursions — an issue that has long plagued Benue’s agrarian settlements.
As Tsebee and Iorhuna made their way home, gunmen emerged from a concealed position and sprayed bullets at their vehicle. The shooting lasted several minutes before the attackers fled the scene, leaving behind chaos and sorrow.
Residents in Panic as Fear of Renewed Attacks Spreads
Following the killing, panic swept across Logo communities, particularly in Gaambe-Tiev where the deceased hailed from. Residents, fearing further attacks, have begun relocating to nearby towns and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps for safety.
Many families have abandoned their homes, while community leaders have called for immediate intervention by security agencies. Locals lamented that despite numerous alerts and previous attacks, no lasting security measures have been put in place to protect their communities.
A youth leader from the area expressed grief, saying:
“We are tired of burying our people. Every time we cry for help, nothing happens. The government needs to take this seriously before Logo is completely deserted.”
Authorities Yet to Restore Calm
At press time, there had been no official statement from the Benue State Police Command or the state government regarding the incident. However, community members are appealing to Governor Hyacinth Alia to deploy military personnel to the troubled zones and ensure that justice is served.
Security analysts have warned that the continuous attacks by armed herders in Benue could further escalate tensions between farmers and pastoralists if urgent action is not taken. The killing of a respected leader like Tsebee, who was actively involved in peace-building efforts, has been described as a major blow to ongoing reconciliation processes in the area.
Recurring Bloodshed in Logo Local Government Area
The Logo axis of Benue State has remained one of the flashpoints of the herders-farmers conflict that has ravaged Nigeria’s Middle Belt region for years. Since 2018, hundreds of lives have been lost, with several villages razed and thousands displaced.
In recent months, attacks have become more frequent, especially during harvest seasons when farmers return to their farmlands. Residents believe the ambush on Tsebee was meant to instill fear and prevent communities from resisting encroachment on their lands.
Community Mourns: ‘He Died Defending His People’
Hon. Tsebee was widely respected in his community for his dedication to peace and rural development. Colleagues and family members described him as a selfless leader who often mediated local disputes and sought lasting solutions to security challenges in the region.
A family friend shared:
“He died defending his people. His death is a tragedy we will never forget.”
The community has since begun preparations for his burial amid heightened security concerns.
Growing Insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt
Benue State, known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has been a persistent hotspot for clashes between farmers and armed herders. Despite multiple security operations and peace meetings, killings, kidnappings, and land invasions have continued.
Experts argue that weak border surveillance, inadequate rural policing, and insufficient intelligence sharing among security agencies have made it easier for armed groups to carry out deadly raids on rural communities.
As the situation worsens, humanitarian groups warn of a growing crisis, with thousands of displaced residents facing hunger, poor shelter, and limited access to medical care.
Calls for Government Action and Lasting Peace
Civil society groups, traditional rulers, and local vigilante networks are now urging both the federal and state governments to act swiftly. They insist that only sustained military presence, prosecution of culprits, and disarmament of armed herders can restore peace to Benue communities.
A security advocate in Makurdi emphasized:
“The government must prioritize rural security. It is unacceptable that people are being killed daily while the attackers move freely. Without peace in Benue, Nigeria’s food security will remain threatened.”
Conclusion: A Cry for Justice and Protection
The killing of Hon. Atindiga Tsebee has once again highlighted the grim reality of insecurity facing Benue and other states in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. As families mourn and residents flee, the cry for justice and urgent intervention grows louder.
Unless authorities act decisively to curb these recurring attacks, more lives may be lost, and more communities abandoned. The people of Logo are pleading for what every Nigerian deserves — peace, protection, and justice.
