At least seven people, including a mobile police officer were killed by suspected armed herders on Tuesday at Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack, according to locals happened on Tuesday when the armed bandits attacked the community located near the border with Cameroon.

The State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack on the community and urged security agents to fish out the killers.

Governor Alia stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso and made available to journalists in Makurdi, saying that the perpetrators of the Tuesday terrorists’ attack on Abande community must be arrested.

Alia said that the terrorists have again dared the state and the Nigeria security system, stating that the incident must be attended to in the language they understand better.

“My heart goes out to the peaceful people of Abande. This cowardly act of terror, which claimed innocent lives, including a gallant police officer, and led to the destruction of homes, is an assault on our shared humanity and an affront to the peace and security of Benue State.

” I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Abande community at this painful time.

“May I assure the peace loving people of Benue that this government will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property.

” I have already directed the relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas, go after the perpetrators with all energies at their disposal, and restore safety to our communities.

” We are meticulously strengthening collaboration with federal security authorities and our local intelligence structures to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that such attacks are decisively prevented.

“Let me also assure the people of Turan and Kwande at large that, you are not alone. I stand with you in solidarity and compassion,” the statement read partly.

The Governor, however, charged the people of the state to hold fast to hope, unity, and resilience, especially at this moment of grief, saying the state shall overcome the challenge.

On the attack, there were conflicting casualty figures recorded during the attack on Tuesday.

A former councillor in the council, Akerigbe Lawrence, claimed 17 people, including a police officer were killed. The chairman of traditional council in the local government, Ter Kwande, HRM, Timothy Ayile said six of his subjects and a policeman were killed but police in the state confirmed five people including a police officer killed.

The former councillor in the council, Lawrence who narrated how it happened said that the attackers stormed the community Tuesday (a market day) killed about 17 people.

“The attack carried out by the Fulani terrorists occurred yesterday (Tuesday ) and has left the community in deep shock and mourning.

The former councillor said that the invaders looted stalls and set the market on fire.

He added, “As of 11:55 p.m. (Tuesday ) some of the victims’ bodies were conveyed to Jato Aka by personnel of the Mobile Police Force stationed in the area.

The former councillor listed six names of victims whose bodies were recovered and taken to the morgue, which included Lornunbe Agba, Chia Kile, Terseer Shenge, Mker Ugbe, Emmanuel Agba, Ortswen Gbinde and a mobile police officer.

But the traditional ruler of the area, Ter Kwande, HRM, Timothy Ayile confirmed that six of his subjects and a policeman were killed during the attack.

According to him, “Fulani terrorists came and attacked the Abande community, which is near the border with Cameroon.

There is a police post there with four personnel. Six of my people and a policeman were killed and their bodies were recovered yesterday night.

“The other three policemen have fled the place, making it open to terrorists.

The royal father who lamented the incessant attacks on his domain, appealed to federal government to establish a unit of soldier in Abande.

He said, “We only have army unit at Jato Aka and Agbatse and before they can reach Abande it will take between one hour and one and a half hours because of the terrain.

“What compounded the problem in that area is that there is no network to reach out to the public,” the royal father said.

Confirming the attack, the State Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the attack in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Wednesday, said that five people, among them a police officer were killed during the attack.

The statement read partly, “On 3rd February, 2026, at about 17:30hr, the Divisional Police Officer, Jato-Aka, received a distress call that suspected armed herder bandits, in large numbers, had attacked police personnel stationed at Abande community as well as members of the community.

“During the ensuing confrontation while police operatives were responding to the distress call, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande Community, was fatally injured during the attack.

“Regrettably, four members of the community also lost their lives as a result of the attack by the bandits.

The PPRO said that the command had deployed combined teams of police operatives and other security agencies to the area to secure the community, conduct a thorough search, and forestall further breakdown of law and order.

She added, “The deceased persons have been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to immediately proceed to Jato-Aka with additional mobile force personnel and armoured personnel carriers to coordinate intensive operations, track the perpetrators, and effect their arrest.

While commiserating with the families of the deceased and the Abande community, the CP assured the residents that all necessary measures are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore peace to the area. (Nigerian Tribune)

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