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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia attacked Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government, Benue State, killing five farmers.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident took place at about 4pm yesterday , January 6, 2025.
It was said that the attack happened while residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts.
Residents who spoke to our correspondent said the incident has disrupted ongoing harvest activities in the border community and also has triggered fresh concerns over food production and security in the community.
The Chairman of Kwande Local Government , Tersua Yarkwan, confirmed the killings.
He said five persons were killed,adding that the attackers did not withdraw immediately after the assault, a development that worsened tension in the area.
He described Kwande as a vulnerable border local government that shares an international boundary with Cameroon, noting that its rugged terrain complicates security operations.
The Chairman warned that the continued attacks during harvest season threatens food security, stressing that farming activities have been severely disrupted as residents now avoid their farms out of fear.
Also speaking, a former Supervisory Councillor in the local government, Akerigba Lawrence, said the community was unprepared for the assault and alleged that residents have faced sustained pressure marked by shootings, destruction of crops, homes, and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources.
He disclosed that those killed include Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, adding that the names of two others were yet unknown while search operations were ongoing as some residents remained missing at the time of filing this report.
Lawrence said schools, churches, and markets have been forced to shut down following repeated attacks, while lamenting the absence of sustained security intervention.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO) DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
