At least 17 people, including a senior officer of the Mobile Police Force, have been confirmed dead following a violent attack on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The assault, which occurred on Tuesday evening, has left the agrarian community devastated, with residents describing scenes of destruction, looting and arson.
Market Day Turns Deadly
According to community leader Lawrence Akerigba, the attackers — suspected armed herders — stormed the area during the weekly market gathering.
“Traders and buyers were busy with commercial activities when the attackers struck. Shops were looted, more than ₦150 million was taken, and the entire market was set ablaze,” he said.
Eight people reportedly sustained injuries, while seven motorcycles were carted away during the raid.
Security operatives from the Mobile Police Force later evacuated several bodies to Jato Aka.
Victims and Missing Persons
Those confirmed dead include:
Iornunbe Agba
Chia Kile
Terseer Shenge
Mker Ugbe
Emmanuel Agba
Ortswen Gbinde
A Mobile Police officer serving as unit commander
Several residents remain unaccounted for as of press time.
Rising Insecurity in Turan Axis
The latest attack adds to growing security concerns in Turan and neighbouring communities, where locals say repeated assaults have created an atmosphere of fear.
Abande is located near Anwase, the site of a deadly Christmas Day attack in 2024 that reportedly claimed more than 28 lives.
Akerigba alleged that since the beginning of the year, over 76 people, including security personnel, have been killed in similar incidents. He criticised what he described as poor enforcement of the state’s Anti-Open Grazing and Prohibition Law, accusing authorities of failing to curb armed incursions.
Residents also raised concerns about limited government presence in border communities near Cameroon, contrasting it with security deployments on the Cameroonian side of the border.
Police Confirm Attack, Give Lower Casualty Figure
In an official statement issued Wednesday, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack but reported fewer casualties.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, suspected armed bandits attacked police personnel and residents at about 5:30 p.m. on February 3.
The police confirmed that one Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, and four community members lost their lives during the confrontation.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, ordered the deployment of additional Mobile Police personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers to Jato Aka to reinforce security operations and track down the attackers.
The command extended condolences to families of the victims and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to restore peace and bring those responsible to justice.
