At least 12 people were killed and several others injured when suspected armed herders attacked Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killings, describing the attack as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.”
In a statement signed by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, on Friday, the governor expressed deep sorrow and outrage at the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
The governor said, “The killing in Kwande LG is senseless and unacceptable; every life matters. The loss of even one life is too many.”
He assured the people of Kwande and Benue State that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring those responsible are held accountable, and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
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.
He appealed to the people of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as they work to restore peace to the area.
Locals said the attack occurred on Thursday, alleging it was carried out by suspected herdsmen.
A local who did not want to be identified said, “There is currently a serious and heartbreaking attack being carried out by armed herdsmen on the people of Mbaav in Mbadura Council Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Many innocent lives have already been lost. Since the attack began this morning [Thursday], the community has not received any form of security presence or intervention, and the situation is extremely dire and terrifying for our people.
“Men, women, children, and the elderly are fleeing in different directions for safety. Mbaav village is a community near Jato Aka market. Families are scattered, homes are under threat, and the entire community is in panic and distress.
“The people of Turan are in desperate need of urgent help and immediate security intervention. Authorities and relevant security agencies must act now before more innocent lives are lost.
“The people of Turan cannot continue to face this tragedy alone; we need protection, we need help now.”
They gave the names of the deceased 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.
Those injured and receiving treatment were identified as Msughaondo Terfa, Nanen Terfa, Aondongu Terfa, Ahembe Shilave, Nguavese Tavershima, and Terfa Doosuur.
According to the locals, a search was ongoing in the bush to recover some missing persons.
“This is outside the first six people that were killed in the morning attacks in Mbaav Community of Mbadura Council Ward by the Fulani herdsmen, even with the presence of over 300 army personnel in the land,” they lamented.
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.