More than 20 people, including a two-year-old child, have been killed in a wave of fresh attacks on Aondana and several other communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Council Chairman Ormin Torsar Victor confirmed the tragic incident in an emotional video, condemning the ongoing violence and criticizing the federal government’s failure to act.
According to Torsar, the attacks targeted multiple villages, including Tewa Biana, which is located near a military base. Despite the proximity of security forces, he said there was no response during the attacks.
“They say the local security doesn’t have the mandate to engage these people, that only the federal government can give that mandate. So should my people continue to die while we wait? What is the meaning of this?” the chairman asked tearfully.
He decried the killing of entire families, citing the burial of a father and his two adult sons in Tewa Biana just a day before.
“Very close to a military base. What is the meaning of this? If they cannot help me, maybe I’ll leave this position as chairman and let it continue the way it is,” he added.
Visibly distraught, the chairman said the psychological toll of the violence was becoming unbearable.
“I don’t care about being chairman anymore. Look at a child of two years old butchered—it’s too much for me to condone,” he said.
He disclosed that at least 20 people were killed in Aondana village alone, an area with significant historical and political ties.
“This is the village of the former First Lady of this state, Mrs. Eunice Ortom. This is the village of the Tor Gwer. This is the village of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe. Whatever will happen, will happen. I don’t know what to do anymore,” he added.
