Gunmen Kill 13 in Fresh Benue Attack, Market Women Abducted in Kwande

Gunmen suspected to be armed herders have killed at least 13 people in a fresh Benue attack, deepening fears over the worsening security situation in the state. The attack occurred at Anwase Market in Mbaikyor community, Kwande Local Government Area, where traders were carrying out their daily activities.

According to local sources, the assailants stormed the market from a nearby mountain, firing sporadically to disperse residents before setting stalls ablaze. Several market women were reportedly abducted during the raid, while properties and goods were destroyed in the fire.

An aide to the Kwande Local Government Chairman, Ibi Andrew, confirmed the death toll during a telephone interview, noting that the chairman, Vitalis Neji, in collaboration with security agencies, had mobilised to the affected area to restore calm and prevent further attacks.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as traders fled for safety amid gunfire, while the attackers retreated towards the mountainous terrain with their captives. As of the time of reporting, the Benue State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident, with efforts to reach the police spokesperson proving unsuccessful.

The latest Kwande attack comes barely two days after a similar assault on Abande community, also in Kwande Local Government Area, where at least 16 people were killed at a local market. Residents said the attackers opened fire on civilians, looted shops, and set parts of the market on fire, carting away millions of naira.

Community leaders lamented that repeated Benue attacks have forced residents to flee their homes, heightened fear across Turan and neighbouring communities, and exposed gaps in security and protection for rural populations.