Three killed as herdsmen, bandits launch deadly attacks on Kwande, Zaki Biam communities

By James Ike

At least three people have been killed in separate attacks by armed herdsmen and bandits in Kwande and Logo Local Government Areas of Benue State.

Two of the victims were reportedly ambushed on Saturday while returning from the Jato-Aka market to Nzaav community in Yaav Council Ward of Turan District, Kwande LGA.

Residents said the attackers, believed to be armed herdsmen, opened fire before hacking the victims with machetes. Their bodies were later discovered in pools of blood, bearing deep cuts.

A former Supervisory Councillor in Kwande LGA, Lawrence Akerigba, described the killings as horrifying.

“This is disturbing. The bodies were badly wounded. It shows that attacks by terrorists are still ongoing even after overrunning all the communities except Jato-Aka in Turan land. This is nothing but terrorism,” he said.

Chairman of Kwande LGA, Yarkwan Tersua, also confirmed the attack, expressing concern over the repeated killings.

He suggested the violence may have a religious undertone and urged the federal government to intervene, stressing that residents remain defenceless. He added that investigations were underway to uncover those responsible.

In a separate incident in Zaki Biam, Logo LGA, suspected bandits riding on a motorbike stormed a popular POS outlet in the Hausa Quarters on Saturday afternoon. According to an eyewitness, the attackers, believed to be loyalists of a notorious bandit leader, shot a young female operator identified as Basma Hassan, stole all the cash in her possession, and escaped while firing shots into the air to disperse bystanders.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead shortly after arrival.

As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to respond to calls and messages seeking clarification on the incidents.