Deadly Market Attack in Benue: Over 16 Traders Killed in Kwande Assault

At least 17 people, including a Mobile Police officer, have been killed following a deadly attack on a rural market in Abande settlement, Mbaikyor Ward, located in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State. The assault, reportedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, occurred on Tuesday afternoon during the community’s market day.

Witnesses and local sources said the attackers stormed the bustling Abande market while traders and residents were actively buying and selling goods. According to a former Supervisory Councillor in Kwande LGA, Akerigba Lawrence, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, killing several people on the spot and throwing the community into chaos.

Beyond the loss of lives, the attackers allegedly looted shops within the market, making away with cash and goods estimated to be worth over ₦150 million. After the looting, the entire market was reportedly set ablaze, leaving traders devastated and livelihoods destroyed.

Lawrence disclosed that as of late Tuesday night, the bodies of some victims had been evacuated to Jato-Aka by operatives of the Mobile Police Force stationed in the area.

Among those confirmed dead were community members identified as Iornunbe Agba, Chia Kile, Terseer Shenge, Mker Ugbe, Emmanuel Agba Ortswen, Gbinde, as well as a Mobile Police officer who was serving as the unit commander on duty during the attack.

He added that several residents were still missing as of press time, raising fears that the death toll could rise. The incident has further deepened anxiety among residents of Turan and nearby communities, who say insecurity in the area has continued to worsen.

The Abande community lies close to Anwase, another settlement that suffered a deadly attack during Christmas Day in 2024, when more than 28 people were reportedly killed. Residents claim that since the start of the year, repeated attacks in the area have claimed over 76 lives, including those of security personnel.

Locals have also raised concerns over what they describe as a limited presence of Nigerian security forces in Abande and surrounding settlements, which are located near the Nigeria–Cameroon border. Community members are calling on authorities to urgently reinforce security in the area to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence among residents.

The latest attack adds to growing concerns about persistent violence in parts of Benue State and the urgent need for sustained security intervention to protect rural communities and commercial hubs.