Five Farmers Killed in Benue’s Kwande Community as Suspected Herders Attack During Harvest

Five farmers have been killed and several others injured after suspected armed herders attacked Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan District, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday around 4:00 p.m.

The attack occurred while residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts, disrupting agricultural activities and raising fresh concerns over food security in the border community.

Kwande LGA Chairman, Tersua Yarkwan, confirmed the fatalities and said the assailants did not immediately leave the area, heightening fear among residents. “This is a very disturbing incident. Five of our farmers were killed while harvesting their crops, and the attackers stayed back in the area for some time,” he said.

Yarkwan described Kwande as a vulnerable border area with challenging terrain along the Cameroon frontier, which complicates security operations. “These repeated attacks, particularly during harvest season, pose a serious threat to food production,” he warned.

Former supervisory councillor Lawrence Akerigba said the community was caught off guard and has faced sustained pressure from armed herders. “Our people have been subjected to shootings, destruction of crops and homes, and restricted access to water,” he said.

The confirmed victims include Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, while two others have yet to be identified. Some residents remain missing as search efforts continue.

Akerigba also noted that repeated attacks have forced the closure of schools, churches, and markets, urging authorities to provide consistent security support. Efforts to reach Benue State Police Command spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.