Two security officers, five others killed as herdsmen attack Benue community in escalating violence

By Johnson Arua

Gunmen, believed to be militia members of the herdsmen, have reportedly killed two security personnel in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, just four days after a similar attack in the same region resulted in the deaths of five people.

The victims, members of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)—a joint military and police task force deployed to maintain peace in volatile regions—were identified as an Aircraft Man of the Nigerian Air Force and a personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the officers were ambushed while returning from Adikpo town. “They were on motorcycles, coming back from Adikpo when the herdsmen ambushed them. One soldier and one Civil Defence officer were killed instantly,” the source stated.

Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, a community leader from Jato Aka, confirmed the attack, which took place on Saturday around 4 p.m. in Udeku, a community already scared by the earlier killings.

He explained, "Yesterday, another tragedy struck in Turan, Kwande LGA, when security officers stationed at Anwase were killed by herdsmen at Udeku. This is the same place where five people were killed just days ago."

Akerigba recounted how the attackers operated with impunity, ravaging the community. "The herders came in large numbers, burning houses, destroying farms, and even blocking the roads. The officers were on their way back from Aga market when they were shot on sight."

The persistent attacks have left the local population in constant fear. “Our people are exposed to danger,” Akerigba said, his voice heavy with concern. “Jato Aka town, which houses five Council Wards, has been overtaken. People are fleeing; many are unsure of where to go.”

As of the time of this report, Operation Whirl Stroke had not yet issued an official statement. However, a military source confirmed the attack, identifying the slain soldier as an Aircraft Man.

Mr. Michael Ejelikwu, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, also confirmed the tragic loss. "Yes, I can confirm that at about 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, herdsmen militias attacked three security personnel attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, killing two of them,” he stated.

Ejelikwu further revealed that the slain NSCDC officer, CCA Tijani Idris, was from the Kaduna State Command but was seconded to the OPWS Joint Task Force.

He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and described the incident as “unfortunate” and a “hazard of our calling.”

Despite the devastating losses, the NSCDC spokesperson emphasized that the Corps remains resolute in its fight against insecurity. “Though we mourn the loss of our colleagues, the NSCDC remains committed to confronting insecurity in all its forms,” he concluded.