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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Not fewer than 16 persons have, again, been reportedly killed in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue State.
This is just as the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killings describing it as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.”
A local from the area told newsmen in Makurdi that the attack took place on Thursday morning, March 5, 2026, leaving 16 persons dead with many others still missing at the time of filing this report on Friday.
The local in a message said “There is currently a serious and heartbreaking attack being carried out by armed herdsmen on the people of Mbaav in Mbadura Council Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
“Many innocent lives have already been lost. Since the attack began this morning, the community has not received any form of security presence or intervention and the situation is extremely dire and terrifying for our people.
“Men, women, children, and the elderly are fleeing in different directions for safety. Mbaav village is a community near Jato Aka market. Families are scattered, homes are under threat, and the entire community is in panic and distress.
“The people of Turan are in desperate need of urgent help and immediate security intervention. Authorities and relevant security agencies must act now before more innocent lives are lost. The people of Turan cannot continue to face this tragedy alone. we need protection. we need help now.”
Responding to the situation, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned strongly the killings in Kwande and assured the people of his administration’s commitment to end insecurity in the area.
The Governor, in a statement signed by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, expressed deep sorrow and outrage at the loss of precious lives and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
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Alia emphasized that every life matters and that the loss of even one life is too many, assuring the people of Kwande and Benue State that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
The Governor, who acknowledged the recent deployment of over 400 security personnel to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande and noted that the recent attacks indicate that more needs to be done, even as he directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
Alia appealed to the people of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as they work to restore peace to the area. He said the complexities of insecurity are challenging but not insurmountable, and he will stop at nothing to ensure that absolute peace returns to the state in general and to Kwande in particular.
In the same vein, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has strongly condemned the latest wave of killings in Mbaav, Mbadura, Turan in Kwande Local Government Area of the State.
Chief Aondoakaa, in a statement signed by his SA Media and Publicity, James Ian, described the attack as barbaric, inhuman and unacceptable, noting that the gruesome killing of innocent and defenceless farmers in their own communities is a tragic development that should trouble the conscience of every citizen.
While sympathizing with the families of the victims and all those affected by the attack, including those injured, displaced, and those whole relatives are still missing, Aondakaa insisted that “The trauma and suffering being inflicted on our people are simply unacceptable.”
He appealed to Governor Alia to show leadership and provide reassurance, direction and decisive action to demonstrate a clear commitment to protecting vulnerable communities in BenueState.
Chief Aondoakaa emphasized that the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, adding that the people of Benue State expect proactive leadership in confronting the security challenges facing them.
The former Attorney General commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his earlier visit to Benue shortly after the tragic Yelewata attack last year claimed over 200 lives and appealed to him to urgently intervene and take decisive steps to stop the cycle of violence in the state by mobilizing adequate security forces to the affected areas.
He also calls on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to protect lives and property while urging all levels of government to work together in addressing the security crisis affecting the state.
