By Our reporter 4.2.2026
More than ten traders and one policeman were killed on Tuesday by gunmen suspected to be ‘Fulani militia men’ in the Abande community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The gunmen arrived the community near the Nigeria/Cameroon border on market day opened fire, looting shops and then set ablaze the market stalls.
“On February 3, 2026, at about 17:30 hours, the Divisional Police Officer, Jato-Aka, received a distress call that suspected armed herder bandits, in large numbers.
“During the ensuing confrontation, while police operatives were responding to the distress call, one Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, who was on special duty at Abande Community, was fatally injured. Regrettably, four members of the community also lost their lives,” said Benue State Police Command spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet.
However, a former councilor in the council, Akerigbe Lawrence claimed that about 17 people lost their lives.
“The attack was carried out by the Fulani terrorists and has left the community in deep shock and mourning,” said Akerigbe Lawrence.
Meanwhile Benue State governor Hyacinth Alia, urged the police to speed up investigations and arrest the suspects.
“My heart goes out to the peaceful people of Abande. This cowardly act of terror, which claimed innocent lives, including a gallant police officer, and led to the destruction of homes, is an assault on our shared humanity and an affront to the peace and security of Benue State,” Governor Alia said in a statement.
“I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Abande community at this painful time.
“May I assure the peace-loving people of Benue that this government will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property.
“I have already directed the relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas, go after the perpetrators with all energies at their disposal, and restore safety to our communities.”