At least 19 people were killed in a series of brutal attacks on communities in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, allegedly carried out by armed bandits suspected to be herders.
The first attack occurred on Saturday when 16 farmers, returning to their homes in Mbandwa council ward, were ambushed along Kashimbila road. According to an anonymous local source, the farmers were killed and their bodies discarded into the River Katsina-Ala.
A second attack followed on Monday afternoon in Boaguwa, located in Kumakua council ward, where three more victims were reported dead. As violence escalated, residents from surrounding communities fled for safety to Jato Acka.
Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mzough U Tiv worldwide and leader of several socio-cultural groups, confirmed the incidents. Speaking from Jato Acka, Ihagh stated, “The six council wards in Turan have been completely deserted. Right now, I have been informed that 16 farmers were killed along Kashimbila road and thrown into River Katsina Ala. Armed herders also attacked Boaguwa in Kumakua, leaving three dead bodies behind.
Ihagh expressed concern about the safety of those sheltering in Jato Acka, urging President Bola Tinubu to deploy additional military forces to the area to curb the violence.
In response, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, directed inquiries to the Director General of Internal Security, Israel Gbawuam, but efforts to reach him were unsuccessful. Likewise, attempts to contact Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for Benue Police Command, were also not fruitful.
The continuing attacks have led to widespread panic and displacement, with local communities fearing further violence from the suspected armed herders.
