At least 19 people have been brutally murdered in renewed attacks by armed herdsmen in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. Sixteen of the victims were reportedly ambushed and killed on Saturday, with their bodies dumped in River Katsina-Ala, while three others were killed in a separate attack on Monday.
According to a local source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the violence began on Saturday evening when 16 farmers from Mbandwe Ward were ambushed on their way home. The armed herdsmen killed them and threw their bodies into River Katsina-Ala along the Kashimbila road.
“The initial 16 farmers were returning to their community in Mbanduwa Ward when they were ambushed along Kashimbila road and killed. Their bodies were dropped in River Katsina-Ala by the marauders,” the source said.
The attackers struck again on Monday afternoon, targeting Boguwa in Kumakua Council Ward. Three people were killed, and several homes and food barns were set ablaze.
“The second attack happened today (Monday) afternoon at Boguwa in Kumakua Council Ward in the same LGA. Three lives were lost in the attack, and homes and food barns were also razed by the armed herdsmen. As we speak, several persons are missing, and the people are fleeing their homes to Jato Aka and other safe places to hide themselves,” the source added.
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Confirming the attacks, Comptroller of Prisons (retired) Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) worldwide, revealed that all six council wards in Turan had been deserted due to the violence.
Speaking from Jato Aka on Monday evening, Ihagh confirmed the killing of 16 farmers on Saturday and the subsequent attack on Boguwa.
“I am right now in Jato Aka. I was told that 16 farmers were killed along Kashimbila road at the weekend, and their bodies were thrown into River Katsina-Ala. As I am talking to you now, armed herders have attacked Boguwa in Kumakua Council Ward, and three dead bodies have been recovered. People have fled their communities and run to Jato Aka. I doubt if this place (Jato Aka) is safe right now,” Ihagh said.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to deploy more troops to Kwande LGA to protect the population and secure the communities.
Efforts to reach government officials for comment were unsuccessful. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, directed inquiries to the Director General of Internal Security, Israel Gbawuam, who could not be reached. Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, was unavailable for comment.
The attacks have left residents in shock and fear, with many fleeing their homes to seek safety in neighboring communities. The violence underscores the ongoing security challenges in Benue State and the urgent need for government intervention to protect vulnerable communities.
