The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, Ormin Torsar Victor, has ordered a dusk-to-dawn curfew to curb rising insecurity in the area.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Victor said the curfew, which begins at 6:30 p.m. daily, takes immediate effect and applies to all movement into and out of the local government.
“This directive takes immediate effect,” the chairman stated. “With this Executive directive, people coming into Gwer West LGA and those going out to other places are to do so within the stipulated time of 6:30 pm.”
The council boss explained that the measure is temporary and would be subject to review based on improvements in the security situation.
The decision comes in the wake of renewed violence in parts of Benue State, particularly following a series of deadly attacks on Friday, May 9, 2025, in the neighbouring communities of Ayilamo and Jato-Acka.
At least nine people were killed when suspected herdsmen launched coordinated assaults on both villages. In Jato-Acka, over 20 armed attackers invaded the area, killing six residents and torching several homes.
The violence later spread to Ayilamo, where three more people, including a Livestock Guard were reportedly murdered.