At least 19 people have been killed in separate attacks by suspected armed herders in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The first attack occurred on Saturday, 15th February 2025, when 16 farmers from Mbanduwa ward were ambushed and killed while returning home. Their bodies were then dumped in the Katsina-Ala River, near Kashimbila road. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, confirmed the incident to Punch.
A second attack took place on Monday afternoon, 17th February, in Boaguwa, Kumakua council ward, also within Kwande LGA. Three people were killed, and St Stephen’s Catholic Church in Zangwa, Nzaav, was burned down. Following the attacks, residents of the affected communities fled to Jato Acka for safety.
Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide and leader of the three socio-cultural groups (Mzough U Tiv, OchiitaK’idoma and Om’Ngede), stated that all six council wards in Turan have been deserted.
Speaking from Jato Acka on Monday evening, Ihagh reported the killing of the 16 farmers and the discovery of their bodies in the Katsina-Ala River. He also confirmed the attack in Boaguwa and the resulting deaths.
Ihagh expressed concern about the safety of Jato Acka and appealed to President Bola Tinubu for increased troop deployment to the area, stating that suspected armed herders had overrun the six council wards in Turan.
