Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen attacked Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, killing five farmers.
It was gathered that the incident took place at about 4pm yesterday – Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
According to witnesses, the attack happened while residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts.
Residents who spoke to our correspondent said the incident has disrupted ongoing harvest activities in the boundary community while also triggering fresh concerns over food production and security in the community.
Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Tersua Yarkwan, who confirmed the killings, said five persons were killed, adding that the attackers did not withdraw immediately after the assault, a development that worsened tension in the area.
He described Kwande as a vulnerable local government area that shares borders with the Republic of Cameroon, noting that its rugged terrain complicates security operations.
Yarkwan warned that continued attacks during harvest season threaten food security, pointing out that farming activities have been severely disrupted as residents now avoid their farms out of fear.
A former Supervisory Councillor in the local government, Akerigba Lawrence, lamented that the community was unprepared for the assault, alleging that residents have faced sustained pressure marked by shootings, remorseless destruction of crops, homes, and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources by the herdsmen.
Those killed, according to the official count disclosed by Lawrence, include Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, with the names of two others yet to be ascertained.
Search operations were, however, ongoing as some residents remained missing as at the time of filing this report.
Lawrence said schools, churches, and markets have been forced to shut down following repeated attacks, even as he lamented the absence of sustained security intervention.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report.
