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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen militia have again, killed two security personnel in Kwande Local Government, Benue State.
The incident happened barely four days after suspected herdsmen killed five persons at Udedeku community in Kwande LG.
Our correspondent gathered that the two officers; one, an Aircraft Man and a personnel of the National Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), were all part of Operation While Stroke (OPWS) deployed to keep peace in the area.
Locals from the area told newsmen that the security personnel were out and heading back when the armed herders, alreading causing mayhem in the community, attacked them and killed two on the spot.
“They were on a motorcycle. They went to Adikpo town and were coming back when the herdsmen killed them. A resident said , “One soldier was killed alongside a personnel of the Civil Defense Corp.”
A community leader at Jato Aka, Lawrence Akerigba, in a message confirmed the incident saying “Yesterday on January 10,2026, at about 4:26pm another tragedy stroke in Turan, Kwande local government when security officers stationed at Anwase were killed by herdsmen at Udeku, same place herders kill five people four days back.
“The herders who came in large numbers operated unchallenged burning houses, destroying farms and economic trees. They blocked the road when the same officers stationed at Anwase who went to Aga market to fill their gas, on their way back ran into the herders and were shot on sight.”
The community leader who lamented continued killing,said ,”Our people are exposed to danger. Jato Aka town that is housing five council wards that have been taken over and replaced by the Herders. The place is no longer safe. There is fear of unknown people.Some people are already packing out, some don’t even know where to go.
There was no official satement from the OPWS as at the time of filing this report but a reliable military source confirmed the incident stating that the Soldier was an Aircraft Man.
The Public Relations Officer, PRO NSCDC, Michael Ejelikwu also confirmed the incident. He said, “Yes unfortunately, I can confirm to you that at about 1500 hours, on Saturday, 10th January, 2026, Fulani militia attacked three security personnel attached to Operations Whirl Stroke, killing two.
“The unfortunate incident happened at Udedeku, Maav-ya, Mbakyor Council Ward of Kwande LGA. The NSCDC Personnel killed in the incident is CCA Tijani Idris:NSCDC S/NO: 76691, from Kaduna State Command but seconded to Operations Whirl Stroke Joint Taskforce.”
Ejelikwu, who extended condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, described the incident as “unfortunate and hazard of our calling.” He stated that the NSCDC remain determined and committed in confronting insecurity in whatever form.
