Two farmers killed, villages emptied as suspected herders attack Benue communities

Fresh violence has been reported in Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, where suspected armed herders allegedly launched another attack that left two farmers dead and forced residents of several communities to flee.

The assault reportedly occurred on Wednesday afternoon, beginning in Imande Avur and later spreading to neighbouring Abande and Mbaikyor villages.

The development triggered panic across the area, with many inhabitants abandoning their homes over fears of further violence.

Those killed were identified as Elder Abur Alam and his son, Ikyaa. Locals said both men were peaceful farmers who were attacked while tending to their farmland.

A former councillor in Kwande Local Government Area, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, confirmed the incident and decried the worsening security situation in the district.

“Again, there was a brutal attack on our community yesterday. Two innocent farmers were killed, several people have been displaced, and fear has taken over the entire area,” Akerigba said.

He noted that Turan District has been under sustained attacks for nearly two weeks, marked by repeated killings, destruction of farmlands and mass displacement of residents.

“Our people are being attacked and killed almost daily. It appears the government has forgotten about us. These attacks have become frequent, unchecked, and devastating,” he added.

Akerigba also faulted security agencies for what he described as slow or ineffective responses, stating that affected residents and displaced families have received little or no meaningful assistance despite the escalating humanitarian concerns.

He urged the government to act swiftly to protect lives, halt the attacks and restore calm to the affected communities.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not been briefed on the incident at the time of filing this report.