At least 11 people were killed on Christmas Day when suspected herdsmen attacked Ityuluv, Tse Azege, and Innyiev ya communities in Mkomon District, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to residents, the attackers stormed the communities on Wednesday while people were celebrating the festive season, leaving a trail of death and destruction.
A resident, Terlumun, recounted the harrowing event: “The terrorist herders came this afternoon when people were celebrating Christmas, invading our communities, killing people, and burning houses.”
The President-General of the Tiv socio-cultural group, Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, Iorbee Ihagh, confirmed the attack to journalists. “Eleven people were killed in the Christmas Day attack on Mkomon District in Kwande LGA. Some are still missing as I speak. Our people were celebrating Christmas when Fulani herdsmen invaded and attacked the communities,” Ihagh stated.
He also revealed that some council wards in the area, particularly Moon Council Ward, had previously been displaced by herdsmen. Ihagh called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu to urgently bolster security in the state.
The governor’s Security Adviser on Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident but referred inquiries to the Director-General on Security, Gbamuam Jacob. Efforts to reach the DG were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, said she had not yet received a report on the incident.
The attack has heightened concerns over persistent insecurity in Benue State, with residents calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable communities.
