About 20 reared killed as suspected herdsmen attack Kwande Clcommunities in Benue

By Benedicta Aboh

No fewer than 20 persons are feared dead following a bloody attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

A source from the area disclosed that the assailants stormed the communities early Thursday morning and sustained the attack until late in the night, leaving several residents dead while many others remain unaccounted for.

The attack reportedly forced many residents to flee their homes in fear as community members continue searching for survivors and missing persons.

According to the source, the death toll could rise as locals comb nearby bushes and destroyed houses for victims who may still be missing after the raid.

“This is another very sad day for the people of Kwande. The attackers stormed the communities Thursday morning and killed innocent women and children for no reason whatsoever,” the source lamented.

He added that the number of casualties had already risen to about 20 but warned that more bodies could still be recovered as the search continues.

“The number of deaths is about 20, but with the ongoing search and the number of persons still unaccounted for, more bodies may still be found. It is really saddening. Our women and children are being killed in their homes and we feel as if there is no government in place to protect our defenceless people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing the killings as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.”

In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the affected communities.

Governor Alia stressed that every life matters, noting that the loss of even one life is too many. He assured the people of Kwande and the entire state that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.

He also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in the area.

The governor acknowledged the recent deployment of over 400 security personnel to Jato-Aka and other parts of Kwande but noted that the latest incident indicates that more needs to be done to safeguard lives and property.

While appealing to residents to remain calm, Governor Alia urged them to cooperate with security agencies working to restore peace in the troubled communities.

“I understand the pain and frustration of our people and I share their desire for peace and security. My administration will not rest until absolute peace is achieved in Kwande and across Benue State,” the governor said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comment were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.