Residents of Turan District in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State are once again grieving after suspected armed herders carried out another deadly assault, resulting in the deaths of two farmers and the abandonment of several villages.
The latest violence was said to have taken place on Wednesday afternoon, starting from Imande Avur before extending to nearby Abande and Mbaikyor communities.
The incident reportedly caused widespread fear, forcing many locals to flee their homes to avoid further attacks.
Victims of the assault were named as Elder Abur Alam and his son, Ikyaa. Community members described them as harmless farmers who were attacked while working on their farmland.
Confirming the development, a former councillor in Kwande Local Government Area, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, lamented the persistent insecurity plaguing the district.
“Again, there was a brutal attack on our community yesterday. Two innocent farmers were killed, several people have been displaced, and fear has taken over the entire area,” Akerigba said.
He explained that Turan District has been experiencing continuous attacks for about two weeks, with frequent killings, destruction of farmlands, and large-scale displacement of residents.
“Our people are being attacked and killed almost daily. It appears the government has forgotten about us. These attacks have become frequent, unchecked, and devastating,” he lamented.
Akerigba further accused security agencies of failing to respond promptly, adding that victims and displaced families have not received any substantial support despite the growing humanitarian crisis.
He called on the government to urgently intervene by safeguarding lives, ending the attacks, and restoring peace to the troubled communities.
Attempts to obtain confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated that she had not yet been briefed on the incident as of the time this report was filed.
Two killed, communities deserted as suspected herders strike Benue again
