Gunmen open fire at Bar in Makurdi, kill Seven in fresh attack

Unknown gunmen reportedly attacked a bar in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, in the late hours of Wednesday, March 27, 2025, leaving no fewer than seven people dead.

News360 Nigeria reports that the armed men stormed the area and began shooting at a group of people who were at the bar.

The incident took place near the OxNet Water factory in the Akpehe area of Wurukum, Makurdi.

An eyewitness narrated that he was in a commercial tricycle, popularly called Keke, between 7 and 8 p.m. when the attack happened.

He explained, “As we got close to OxNet Water factory, we suddenly heard gunshots nearby, just close to our Keke.

Everyone began running in different directions, and we begged the driver to speed off.

While leaving the scene, the driver pointed at one of the people running ahead, shouting ‘See blood at his back!’

The man, dressed in red boxer shorts and a white T-shirt, was bleeding and kept running as we moved away towards Tyohon and International Market.”

The witness also claimed the Keke driver suspected it might be linked to cult violence or political rivalry among youths in the area, particularly within APC youth groups.

He recalled that a youth, reportedly close to a senatorial aspirant named Hwande, had been shot and killed earlier in Makurdi.

That victim was said to be the chairman of the Wurukum Market task force and was allegedly being considered for the position of APC Zone B youth leader.

Rumours are said to be circulating that more killings could follow before and after the burial of the slain youth, as tensions remain high in Wurukum and surrounding areas.

As of the time of filing this report, police is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.