Five farmers were reportedly k!lled by suspected armed herders in Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan District, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 around 4 p.m. while residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts.
A resident who identified himself as Terna said the attack disrupted activities in the community.
The Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Tersua Yarkwan, who confirmed the incident said the attackers did not immediately withdraw after the assault, which he noted has worsened tension in the area.
Yarkwan, who described the area as a vulnerable border community that shares an international boundary with Cameroon, lamented that the terrain complicates security operations.
He added that the continued attacks during the harvest season pose a serious threat to food security.
Also confirming the incident, a former Supervisory Councillor in the local government, Akerigba Lawrence, decried the constant assaults on the community.
He stated that residents of the area have continued to face sustained attacks, destruction of crops, homes, and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources
Lawrence identified some of the victims as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, adding that the identities of two others were yet to be confirmed.
He further said search operations were ongoing to locate some residents who had been declared missing as of the time of filing this report.
Lawrence added that schools, churches, and markets have been forced to shut down following repeated attacks.
