ANYIASE, Benue State – At least two soldiers and three civilians have reportedly been killed in a suspected armed herdsmen attack on Wednesday at Anyiase community, near Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State.
According to sources, the attack unfolded when bandits ambushed a patrol in the area. “We were told that the bandits attacked the community, killing three persons. The soldiers on patrol ran into the assailants, and in the ensuing fight, two soldiers were killed while some of the bandits were also neutralized,” a local source explained.
The deadly incident follows a pattern of repeated attacks in communities around Jato Aka, where armed herdsmen have previously sacked villages, forcing many residents to seek refuge in the center of Jato Aka.
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide and Chairman of leaders of Benue Socio-Cultural Organisations, confirmed the casualty toll: “Five persons made up of two soldiers and three natives were killed in the attack.” He appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intensify security measures and urged locals to prepare to defend themselves by reviving traditional methods of self-protection.
Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser on Internal Security to the Governor, also confirmed the development, noting his efforts to contact the military commander involved had not been successful. Meanwhile, the Chairman of Kwande LGA, Mr. Vitalis Neji, has yet to respond to requests for comment.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Tersoo Kula, the Benue State Executive Council, chaired by Governor Alia, condemned the “tragic murder” of the two Nigerian Army soldiers. The council noted that the soldiers were on duty protecting civilians in Turan, Kwande LGA, when they were fatally attacked by armed herdsmen.
The incident has once again underscored the persistent security challenges in Benue State, where communities near Jato Aka continue to grapple with repeated raids by suspected armed herdsmen. Further investigations are ongoing as authorities work to restore stability and safeguard the affected communities.
