Nearly 20 people have reportedly been killed in a violent attack on two communities in Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen.
The assault targeted Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities located in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande Local Government Area. Sources in the area said the attackers stormed the villages early Thursday and continued the violence into the night.
Residents said the assailants killed several people during the raid, while many others remain missing. The attack also forced many villagers to flee their homes as fear spread across the affected communities.
Local sources indicated that the number of casualties could increase as residents and community members continue searching nearby bushes and damaged houses for missing persons.
One resident described the incident as tragic, saying the attackers targeted innocent civilians, including women and children. He added that although the death toll was already close to 20, the number could rise as the search for survivors continues.
Reacting to the incident, the Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed deep sympathy to the families of the victims and the affected communities.
Alia stressed that every life is valuable and assured residents that his administration would ensure that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
He also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in the area.
The governor acknowledged that more than 400 security personnel had recently been deployed to Jato-Aka and other parts of Kwande Local Government Area, but noted that the latest incident shows that additional measures are needed to protect lives and property.
While appealing for calm, the governor urged residents to cooperate with security agencies working to restore peace in the affected communities.
He assured the people that his government remains committed to achieving lasting peace and security in Kwande and across Benue State.
Attempts to reach the police spokesperson in the state, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
