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The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, Victor Ormin, has announced a daily restriction on movement into and out of the council area from 6.30pm.
Speaking to our correspondent by phone on Monday, Ormin explained that the decision was a precautionary measure to curb the continued loss of lives and ensure residents’ safety.
“Due to escalating insecurity in Gwer West LGA territory, I have directed that people coming into Gwer West LGA and those going out to other places are to do so within the stipulated time of 6:30pm,” he said.
The chairman disclosed that two people were killed Monday morning along the Makurdi–Naka Road by suspected armed herders. “For instance, today, two people were killed along Makurdi/Naka road and their motorcycle was burnt down,” he added.
According to Ormin, the local government has witnessed daily killings, leaving many communities in fear.
“Some people passed through our territory without knowing there is problem, but now we have come out publicly and warned them,” he said. “But if they insist, let it not be that we did not give warning.”
Gwer West LGA borders several other local councils including Gwer East, Makurdi, Otukpo, and Agatu, and also serves as a critical communication link between Makurdi and Ankpa in Kogi State, as well as the Makurdi/Otukpo/Enugu federal highway.
He emphasized that the restriction is temporary and will be reassessed as the security situation improves.
Gwer West has long been a hotspot for violence, suffering some of the worst attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen over the past decade.
All 15 council wards have been affected, with many communities deserted and now reportedly occupied by armed herders, he noted.
