At least three people have been killed in renewed attacks by suspected armed assailants in Anyiase community, located in Moon Council Ward of Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State. The violence unfolded between Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, marking a disturbing escalation in insecurity in the region, just under 24 hours after another deadly attack was reported in Okpokwu Local Government Area. The latest attacks have deepened fears among residents and raised urgent concerns over the government’s ability to protect civilians in rural communities.
A former Supervisory Councillor in the area, Akerigba Lawrence, confirmed that the attackers struck farmlands in Anyiase around 3:20 p.m. on Thursday. Two farmers, identified as Asongo Nagwebe and Tarzan Agbahegh, were killed during the assault. Lawrence also reported that a man and a woman sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Jato-Aka for emergency treatment. The male victim later succumbed to his injuries while being transferred to Makurdi for more advanced medical care, raising the death toll from the farm attack to three.
The violence did not stop there. On Friday morning, the suspected assailants set up a road blockade at Kyoawen Junction and opened fire on a commercial bus carrying passengers. The exact number of casualties from this roadside attack remains unknown as of the time of reporting, leaving families in suspense and heightening anxiety across the region. The attackers’ use of roadblocks and targeted violence against civilians suggests a coordinated and deliberate campaign of intimidation.
Efforts to obtain official comment from the Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Vitalis Neji, were unsuccessful. Multiple attempts to reach him via phone calls and text messages yielded no response. Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be contacted for confirmation or official statements before the article was filed. The lack of immediate response from both local and security authorities has drawn criticism from residents who demand swift action and accountability.
These attacks are part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting Benue State, particularly in rural farming communities. Armed groups have increasingly targeted farmers and travelers, disrupting livelihoods and displacing families. The recurring violence underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures, community engagement, and coordinated responses from state and federal authorities.
As the situation remains volatile, residents continue to live in fear, with many calling for immediate intervention to restore peace and protect lives. The government’s next steps will be closely watched, as the people of Anyiase and surrounding areas await safety and justice.
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