Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have launched another deadly attack on the Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, killing five residents.
Local sources said the attack occurred on Tuesday evening while farmers were harvesting yams and bambara nuts on their farmlands. The assault reportedly disrupted activities across the community, forcing residents to flee for safety.
A resident, who identified himself simply as Terna, said the gunmen struck without warning, leaving the area in fear and confusion.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Tersua Yarkwan, said the attackers did not immediately retreat after the assault, a situation he noted heightened tension in the community.
Yarkwan described the area as a vulnerable border community that shares an international boundary with Cameroon, noting that the difficult terrain has continued to hinder effective security operations. He warned that the repeated attacks during the harvest season pose a serious threat to food security in the area.
Also speaking, a former supervisory councillor in the local government, Akerigba Lawrence, condemned the persistent violence against the community, describing it as sustained and devastating.
According to Lawrence, residents have endured repeated attacks marked by the destruction of farmlands, homes, and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources. He identified three of the victims as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, adding that the identities of two others were yet to be confirmed.
He further disclosed that search operations were ongoing to locate residents who were declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Lawrence added that continued insecurity has forced the closure of schools, churches, and markets in the community.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Police Public Relations Officer in Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as she could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
The latest attack has renewed concerns over the seasonal influx of armed herders into Benue communities, a trend residents say worsens during the dry season.
