Herdsmen attack Benue communities on Christmas Day, killing 11, leaving many missing

December 27, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

Christmas Day turns tragic for Benue communities as herdsmen unleash brutal attack on residents.

The Jukum militia stormed communities in Kwande Local Government Area, killing at least 11 people and leaving many others missing.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers descended upon the communities shortly after residents returned home from Christmas Day church services.

The gunmen shot sporadically, chasing residents and killing whoever they caught up with.

Solomon Amande, a former aide to the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, confirmed the attack, stating that it was carried out by a combined team of armed herdsmen and Jukum militia.

Amande said, “I was briefed about what happened. I was told that given the relative peace for some time now in the communities, the people who deserted their homes due to the activities of armed herdsmen decided to go back home and reside in their communities.”

Amande described the attack, saying, “They were chasing people and shooting sporadically, and whoever they caught up with was killed. They did that till they got to Government Secondary School, Anwase.”

He reported that about 10 people were killed at Anwase in Mbaikyor Council Ward of Turan, and one person was killed at Iyaav Council Ward, around Tse Jam River Crossing.

President of Mzough U Tiv, MUT, worldwide, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, also confirmed the attack, stating that apart from the 11 dead victims, many others were reported missing and unaccounted for.

Ihagh said, “11 persons were killed, and many are still missing from the attack. The leaders of the affected communities have already reported the incident at the police station.”

The matter has been reported to the police, and a combined team of military personnel and police are stationed in the area. The state security team is also expected to be on the ground, as the area is considered crisis-prone.