At least 16 people have been killed following a deadly attack on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the popular Abande market, where traders and buyers had gathered for the day’s business.
Residents said the assailants stormed the market suddenly, opening fire on unsuspecting civilians. Shops were reportedly looted, with large sums of money taken before parts of the market were set ablaze.
Confirming the incident, a community leader and former supervisory councillor in Kwande Local Government Area, Mr Lawrence Akerigba, said the attack happened on a market day when activities were at their peak.
“People were buying and selling when the herders attacked,” Akerigba said. “They looted shops, carted away millions of naira from traders and later set the market on fire.”
He disclosed that as of late Tuesday night, bodies of some victims had been recovered and transported to Jato-Aka by personnel of the Mobile Police Force stationed in the area.
Akerigba also revealed that a Mobile Police officer, believed to be the unit commander on duty during the attack, was among those killed.
He added that several residents remain unaccounted for, noting that search efforts were still ongoing to locate missing persons.
The latest attack has heightened fear among residents of Kwande and surrounding communities, as concerns grow over recurring violence and insecurity in parts of Benue State.