Three farmers feared dead as suspected herders resume attacks in Benue

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Fresh violence has reportedly erupted in Benue State as suspected Fulani herders allegedly killed three farmers in Anyias community, Moon Council Ward of Kwande Local Government Area, reigniting fears over the worsening security situation in the area.

The attack, which reportedly occurred at about 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, claimed the lives of the farmers while they were working on their farms.

According to sources in the community, the suspected herders stormed the farmlands and opened fire indiscriminately, leaving three persons dead on the spot.

Two of the victims were identified as Asongo Nagwebe and Tarzan Agbahegh, while the identities of the third victim and another deceased person were yet to be officially confirmed at the time of filing this report.

It was further gathered that two other persons—a man and a woman—sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and were rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

An eyewitness said the assailants later moved to the Ikyogen Junction road, where they allegedly blocked the highway and opened fire on a commercial bus conveying passengers returning from the market, causing panic among residents and road users.

The source said the attack forced many commuters to flee for safety, while commercial activities in the area were temporarily disrupted.

When contacted, the Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Hon. Vitalis Terhile Neji, confirmed the incident, stating that he had received reports that the victims were killed while working on their farms.

The council chairman described the persistent bloodshed in Kwande as alarming and unprecedented, expressing concern that despite efforts by local authorities and security agencies, attacks have continued unabated.

He appealed to security operatives to urgently intensify efforts to restore peace in the area, track down the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.

According to him, the collective efforts being made to curb insecurity in the local government have yet to produce the desired results, stressing the need for stronger security intervention to protect lives and property.

As of the time of this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the latest attack.