Christmas Day turned into a tragedy in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State as gunmen suspected to be herdsmen and Jukum militia launched a deadly attack, killing at least 11 people. Many others are reported missing, and the affected communities are in mourning.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers stormed the villages shortly after residents returned from Christmas church services. Families were in the middle of preparing meals and celebrating the holiday when gunfire erupted. The invaders reportedly fired indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee in terror.
Solomon Amande, a former aide to the past governor and an indigene of the affected area, confirmed the incident. Sharing eyewitness accounts, he explained that the communities had recently experienced some peace, prompting displaced residents to return to their homes. However, the Christmas Day attack shattered that calm.
“They were chasing people and shooting sporadically, and whoever they caught up with was killed,” Amande said. “They attacked from five different places and killed 10 people at Anwase in Mbaikyor Council Ward of Turan and one at Iyaav Council Ward.”
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, President of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide, confirmed the death toll and added that many residents are still unaccounted for. Police and military teams stationed nearby were informed of the incident, but further details remain unavailable.