Benue: 16 killed in Fresh Kwande attacks, Gov Alia condemns killings, vows to bring perpetrators to book

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen militia have killed 16 persons in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue State.

The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killings describing it as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable.

A local from the area who didn’t want to be named, told newsmen that the attack took place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, leaving 16 persons dead with many injured and several others missing.

The local in a phone 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.

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.