Armed Attack Claims Five Farmers in Benue Community

Suspected armed herders attacked farmers in Udeku Maav-Ya community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday evening, killing at least five persons.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. in the Turan district as residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts, according to local sources. The violence forced a halt to agricultural activities and heightened tension in the area.

The Chairman of Kwande Local Government, Tersua Yarkwan, confirmed the attack and the fatalities. He described Kwande as a vulnerable border region sharing an international boundary with Cameroon, noting that the difficult terrain often complicates security responses.

Yarkwan also expressed concern that continued assaults during harvest season directly threaten local food security and stability.

A former Supervisory Councillor in the locality, Akerigba Lawrence, detailed the persistent nature of the violence faced by the community. He reported that attacks have repeatedly led to the destruction of crops, homes, and economic trees, while also restricting access to water sources.

Lawrence identified three of the victims as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka. The names of two others remained unknown at the time of reporting. A search operation is ongoing for several residents declared missing following the assault.

Due to repeated violence, schools, churches, and markets in the area have been forced to close, severely disrupting normal life.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment as calls to her line were not connected.

This latest incident has renewed concerns over the seasonal influx of armed herders into Benue communities, a pattern that often escalates during the dry season and poses a continuous threat to farmers and food production.