Gunmen kill 11 in Christmas Day attacks on Benue communities

At least 11 people were killed when unidentified gunmen attacked several communities in Nyiev-ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, on December 25, 2024, disrupting Christmas celebrations.

Reports indicate that the attackers struck Ubutu and GSS Anwase communities in the afternoon, killing residents and setting houses ablaze. A resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed the attack and described the scene as devastating.

“The terrorist herders came this afternoon (December 25), invaded Ubutu and GSS Anwase, killing people and burning houses. Daniel Jam’s son was among those killed. Please pray for our community and call for government intervention,” the resident told reporters on Thursday.

While violence raged in Tse Azege, another attack was reported in Ityuluv, also within the Nyiev-ya community.

“If there’s anything the chairman or the government can do, it must be swift. The news from Kwande is distressing, and the terrorist herders continue their onslaught against us even today (December 26),” another resident stated.

The President General of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide, Iorbee Ihagh, a native of Kwande LGA, confirmed the attacks through community leaders in the area. He described the assault as unprovoked and lamented the loss of lives.

“Eleven people were killed in yesterday’s attack on Kwande LGA. The attackers, identified as herdsmen, invaded the communities without provocation, killing residents and leaving many others missing. Community leaders have reported the incident to the police,” he said.

Solomon Amande, a local whose community was affected, corroborated the death toll, attributing the killings to armed herders and militia groups.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, stated that the command had yet to receive information on the incident.