In yet another tragic escalation of violence, suspected armed herders have killed at least 19 people in two brutal attacks on communities in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, forcing hundreds of residents to flee for their lives.
The first and deadliest attack occurred on Saturday along Kashimbila Road, where 16 farmers, returning to their village in Mbanduwa ward, were ambushed, killed, and their bodies thrown into the River Katsina-Ala.
A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the gruesome incident: “The farmers were returning home when they were ambushed and killed. Their bodies were dumped into the river.”
Just two days later, on Monday afternoon, another attack in Boaguwa, Kumakua council ward, claimed three more lives, further deepening the climate of fear and insecurity in the region.
Reports indicate that residents from several communities in the area have abandoned their homes, seeking refuge in Jato Acka, a town now teetering on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.
Confirming the grim situation, Comptroller of Prison (retd.) Iorbee Ihagh, the President General of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide and leader of Benue’s three major socio-cultural groups, acknowledged the killings and warned of the alarming scale of displacement.
Speaking from Jato Acka on Monday evening, Ihagh revealed, “As I speak, 16 farmers were killed over the weekend, and their bodies thrown into River Katsina-Ala. Today, three more bodies were recovered after an attack in Boaguwa.
“The entire Turan area of Kwande LGA has been overrun, and people are fleeing for their lives.”
Ihagh issued a desperate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to urgently deploy more troops to the region, stressing that “all six council wards in Turan are now deserted.”
He voiced deep concern over the safety of those seeking shelter in Jato Acka, warning that the attackers could strike again at any moment.
Attempts to obtain official confirmation from state authorities proved difficult. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, redirected inquiries to the Director General of Internal Security, Israel Gbawuam, whose phone was unreachable.
Similarly, efforts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue Command, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, as she reportedly ended the call after it connected.
The renewed wave of violence in Benue State underscores a disturbing pattern of unchecked insecurity, leaving rural communities vulnerable and abandoned.
As families mourn their dead and others flee their ancestral homes, the urgent question remains: How long will these communities continue to suffer such relentless and barbaric attacks without decisive intervention?
The people of Kwande LGA and beyond await not just words of condemnation, but immediate and effective action to restore peace, protect lives, and bring the perpetrators to justice. The clock is ticking.
Credit: Tribune Online except headline
