Bandits launched another deadly attack in Benue State, killing five people, including two soldiers. The attack occurred in the Kwande Local Government Area, specifically in the Mgbaigbe and Mbaitye communities, both located near Jato Acka, the Turan headquarters.
Residents reported that the armed assailants carried out the attack in a coordinated manner, ambushing soldiers who were on patrol in the area. This latest violence has forced many villagers to flee their homes and seek refuge in Jato Acka, a town already hosting displaced persons from previous attacks.
The President-General of Mdzou U Tiv Worldwide, Iorbee Ihagh, confirmed the attack, raising concerns over the growing presence of Fulani herders in the region.
He warned that the situation could escalate further, saying, “These attackers, who are Fulani herdsmen, are gradually taking over the state. If they succeed in capturing Jato Acka, the Turan headquarters, then the entire Tiv nation will be at risk.”
Ihagh also urged the people of Benue to prepare for self-defense, referencing historical battles where the Tiv people successfully defended their land. He noted, “In the 19th century, the Tiv people defeated the Fulanis during the jihad war using poisonous arrows. I urge our people to return to these traditional ways and defend themselves. Enough of fleeing.”
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attack, mourning the loss of lives and urging security forces to take decisive action against the assailants. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joe Har, also acknowledged the attack but stated that full details were still unclear, as military officials in Kwande had not yet provided a report.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Government confirmed the deaths of the two soldiers. During a State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Deputy Governor Sam Ode expressed grief over the killings. A statement from the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, quoted him saying, “In a solemn reflection, the Deputy Governor bemoaned the tragic loss of two gallant soldiers from the Nigerian Army, who were murdered by armed herders while on duty, protecting civilians in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.”
