Death Toll in Benue’s Kwande Attack Rises to 24 as More Bodies are Recovered

The death toll from the recent attacks on communities in Kwande Local Government Area has risen to 24 after residents recovered additional bodies during search operations in the affected villages.

Local sources said villagers returned to the attacked communities on Saturday to look for missing relatives and assess the destruction when they discovered more corpses in nearby bushes and farmlands.

The latest discoveries pushed the number of fatalities from earlier reports to at least 24. The attacks reportedly occurred in rural settlements within the Turan axis of Jato-Aka district, where armed assailants invaded several communities, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.

Community members said the gunmen stormed villages late at night, attacking homes and leaving many people dead while several others were declared missing. Many residents reportedly escaped into surrounding forests and neighbouring communities to avoid being caught in the violence.

Local leaders expressed concern that the casualty figure could rise further as search efforts continue for people still unaccounted for following the attack. The government of Benue State has condemned the killings, describing the attack as senseless and assuring residents that security agencies have been deployed to restore calm in the area and track down those responsible.

The state governor, Hyacinth Alia, reportedly directed security operatives to intensify surveillance and operations in the affected communities to prevent further violence.

Kwande and several other parts of Benue have witnessed recurring attacks in recent years, often linked to violent clashes involving armed groups and long-standing disputes between farmers and herders, leading to loss of lives and displacement of residents.

Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations into the latest attack continue.