Scores believed dead after fresh wave of violence by herders targets Benue village

A devastating attack by suspected armed herders on Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday left at least 12 people dead and several others injured.

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Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly condemned the attack, labeling it as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable” in a statement issued on Friday through his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev.

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Governor Alia expressed profound sorrow and outrage over the loss of lives, extending his condolences to the families of the victims, and emphasized that every life matters, stating that the loss of even one life is too many.

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The governor assured the people of Kwande and Benue State that his administration would take all necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable and directed security agencies to intensify their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

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Governor Alia acknowledged the recent deployment of over 400 security personnel to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande, but noted that the recent attacks indicate that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of the communities.

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The governor appealed to the people of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as they work to restore peace to the area, which has been plagued by incessant attacks in recent times.

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Locals reported that the attack occurred on Thursday, alleging that it was carried out by suspected herdsmen, with a local resident describing the situation as “serious and heartbreaking” and stating that many innocent lives had already been lost.

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The resident, who wished to remain anonymous, reported that the community had not received any security presence or intervention since the attack began, leaving the situation extremely dire and terrifying for the people.

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Families were scattered, homes were under threat, and the entire community was in panic and distress, with men, women, children, and the elderly fleeing in different directions for safety, according to the resident.

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The resident emphasized that the people of Turan were in desperate need of urgent help and immediate security intervention, calling on authorities and relevant security agencies to act now before more innocent lives are lost.

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The names of the deceased were given as Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Tordue Doove, Liamkpur Aondosoo, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse, Terundu Tyozuur, and one whose identity was yet to be ascertained.

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Those injured and receiving treatment were identified as Msughaondo Terfa, Nanen Terfa, Aondongu Terfa, Ahembe Shilave, Nguavese Tavershima, and Terfa Doosuur, with a search ongoing in the bush to recover some missing persons.

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Locals lamented that the attack was outside the first six people that were killed in the morning attacks in Mbaav Community of Mbadura Council Ward by the Fulani herdsmen, despite the presence of over 300 army personnel in the area.

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Several communities in Kwande LGA have suffered incessant attacks in recent times, with many people, including two security officers deployed to the area, killed by suspected armed herders.