Fresh security concerns have emerged in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State following the killing of a retired Nigerian Army officer and another resident in two separate but closely timed attacks blamed on suspected armed herdsmen.
The first incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., in Anem Village, Ikyurav-Ya, a rural community within Kwande. The victim, identified as Chiayongo Jem’m, a retired army officer, was reportedly shot during an attack believed to have been carried out by suspected herder bandits.
Local sources said the attackers specifically targeted the former soldier, although the motive behind the assault has not yet been officially confirmed. After the shooting, family members reportedly evacuated his body from the scene and conveyed it to a mortuary in Ikyogen. The identity of the facility has not been publicly disclosed.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who reported the incident, indicated that the killing bears similarities to previous attacks in the area involving armed groups operating in forested communities across Benue’s border regions.
Police Launch Manhunt
Following the attack, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jato-Aka mobilised a joint security patrol to Anem Village and surrounding areas. The patrol team, made up of police officers and other security personnel, has been combing nearby bushes and farmlands in an effort to track down the perpetrators and prevent further violence.
The Benue State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has since taken over the case and is leading investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing, identify suspects, and determine whether the attack was part of a broader criminal operation in the area.
Police authorities have assured residents that updates will be provided as investigations progress.
Second Deadly Attack in Same LGA
In a related development, another fatal attack was recorded on Monday night in Tomatan, a settlement also located within Kwande Local Government Area. According to preliminary reports, suspected herdsmen invaded the community and killed one person, further heightening fears among residents.
Details surrounding the second incident remain limited, but local sources say the attackers struck under the cover of darkness, a pattern that has become common in recent violent incidents across rural parts of the state.
It is not yet clear whether the two attacks are directly connected, but their occurrence within the same local government area has raised concerns about renewed insecurity and possible coordinated movements by armed groups.
Rising Insecurity in Border Communities
Kwande LGA, which shares boundaries with parts of Cameroon, has experienced recurring security challenges in recent years. Communities in the area have frequently reported attacks on farmers, ambushes along rural roads, and violent clashes linked to armed criminal elements and herder-related conflicts.
Residents say fear has returned to many villages, with some farmers abandoning their farmlands due to safety concerns. Local leaders have repeatedly called for increased security presence and sustained patrols to protect lives and livelihoods.
Calls for Government Action
The killing of a retired military officer has intensified calls for decisive action from both state and federal authorities. Community members and civil society groups argue that the continued attacks reflect gaps in security coverage, especially in remote settlements.
They are urging government agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve rapid response mechanisms, and deploy more security personnel to vulnerable communities across Benue State.
Ongoing Investigations
As of the time of reporting, no arrests have been made in connection with either attack. Security agencies say investigations are ongoing, and they have appealed to the public to provide credible information that could assist in identifying the attackers.
Authorities have also advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the nearest security post.
The latest killings add to growing concerns about safety in Benue’s rural communities and underscore the urgent need for long-term solutions to address armed violence and protect civilians in the region.
Source: Africa Publicity
