More than 20 people, including a two-year-old child, have been killed in a series of fresh attacks in Aondana and other communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Chairman of the council, Ormin Torsar Victor, confirmed the incident in an emotional video, decrying the persistent violence and the inaction of the federal government.

Torsar revealed that the attacks occurred in multiple villages, including Tewa Biana, which lies near a military base.

Despite this, he said, there was no response from security forces during the carnage.

“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 Tugwe. This is the village of Bishop Banagbe. Whatever will happen, will happen. I don’t know what to do anymore,” he added.