James Akase, a former ward chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been killed by suspected bandits in a fresh wave of attacks on rural communities in Benue State.
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The incident occurred on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Tse-Defam village, located in Gwer West Local Government Area. Akase, who had previously been displaced by insecurity in the region, was reportedly murdered while returning to his community in search of food.
Local sources said the attackers also struck other communities including Tse Ikpe Ago and Tse Kologa in Guma and Gwer West LGAs. The assaults left several people dead, though the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, confirmed Akase’s killing, stating he was attacked on his farm. Ormin added that another resident was kidnapped but later released after a ransom was paid.
Attempts to reach the police and other authorities for comments were unsuccessful.
