BENUE: 11 killed in fresh attack

The incident occurred on December 25, during Christmas celebrations.

A community resident confirmed the attack during a phone call yesterday, stating that they received an urgent message indicating that “Nyiev-ya is under attack.”

“The terrorist herders invaded Ubutu and GSS Anwase in the afternoon of December 25, killing people and setting houses on fire,” the resident said.

“Daniel Jam’s son was among those killed by the terrorists. Please pray for our community for divine and governmental intervention.”

While the violence unfolded in Tse Azege community, another resident reported an ongoing attack in Ityuluv, also within Nyiev-ya.

“If there’s anything the chairman or the government can do, it needs to happen quickly. The news from Kwande remains distressing. The terrorist herders have continued their assault against our people today, December 26,” he stated.

CP Iorbee Ihagh (retired), the President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) Worldwide and a native of Kwande LGA, confirmed the attack through the community head. He described it as unprovoked, noting that several people were killed on Christmas Day.

“Eleven people were reportedly killed during the attack in Kwande LGA yesterday. The herdsmen invaded the communities and assaulted the residents. Many are still missing, and leaders from the affected areas have reported the incident to the police.”

Solomon Amande, another local whose community was impacted, corroborated the death toll of 11 and attributed the killings to armed herders and militia groups.

The Benue State Police Command has not yet responded to the recent attacks in both Katsina-Ala and Kwande local government areas.

When reached for comment, the Command’s spokesperson, Sewuese Anene, stated she had no information regarding the incident.