19 Killed in Fresh Herdsmen Attacks on Benue Communities, Bodies Dumped in River

• Renewed attacks by armed herdsmen in Benue State resulted in at least 19 deaths, including 16 farmers ambushed and dumped in a river

• The violence forced residents to flee to safer areas, with local leaders calling for government intervention to restore security in the region

At least 19 people have been killed in renewed attacks by armed herdsmen in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. Sixteen victims were ambushed and killed on Saturday, with their bodies dumped in River Katsina-Ala, while three others lost their lives in a separate attack on Monday.

A local source, speaking anonymously, reported that the violence began on Saturday evening when 16 farmers from Mbandwe Ward were ambushed while returning home.

The attackers killed them and disposed of their bodies in River Katsina-Ala along the Kashimbila road.

“The farmers were ambushed on Kashimbila road while heading back to Mbandwe Ward. Their bodies were thrown into the river by the attackers,” the source said.

The assailants struck again on Monday afternoon in Boguwa, Kumakua Council Ward, killing three people and setting homes and food barns ablaze.

“The second attack occurred this afternoon (Monday) at Boguwa in Kumakua Council Ward. Three people were killed, and several homes and food barns were burned down. Many residents are missing, and people are fleeing to Jato Aka and other safer locations,” the source added.

Confirming the attacks, retired Comptroller of Prisons and President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) worldwide, Iorbee Ihagh, stated that all six council wards in Turan had been deserted due to the violence.

Speaking from Jato Aka on Monday evening, Ihagh confirmed the 16 deaths from the Saturday ambush and the subsequent attack on Boguwa.

“I am in Jato Aka now. I was informed that 16 farmers were killed along Kashimbila road over the weekend, and their bodies were thrown into River Katsina-Ala. Armed herders also attacked Boguwa in Kumakua Council Ward, killing three people. Residents have fled to Jato Aka for safety, but even here, I doubt if we are safe,” Ihagh said.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to deploy more troops to Kwande LGA to protect the people and restore security in the area.

Attempts to reach government officials for comments were unsuccessful. Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har, redirected inquiries to the Director General of Internal Security, Israel Gbawuam, who was unavailable. Similarly, Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Catherine Anene, could not be reached.

The attacks have left residents in fear, forcing many to abandon their homes for safety. The incidents highlight the ongoing security crisis in Benue State and the urgent need for government intervention to safeguard vulnerable communities.