Death Toll In Benue LGA Attacks Rises To 24

The death toll from the latest attacks on communities in Turan, Jato-Aka district of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State has risen to 24 following the recovery of additional bodies on Saturday morning.

Residents said the attacks, carried out by suspected armed invaders on Thursday, targeted Mbaav community in Mbadura Council Ward and several settlements in Yaav Council Ward of Kwande LGA.

Our correspondent reports that the initial casualty figure stood at 16 after separate morning and night attacks on the affected communities.

However, a former Supervisory Councillor of Kwande LGA, Akerigba Lawrence, said more bodies were later discovered during search operations.

“Some bodies were thrown into the river. One was recovered this morning, bringing the total number of those killed to 24,” he said.

Lawrence identified those killed in Mbaav community in Mbadura Council Ward as Ushahemba Kaun, Assue Pever, Ijir Iorlu, Tyowase Terkimbi, Iorbee Tyoor, Iorkase Iber, Kungwa Adaa, Tyavbee Gbanger and Aondoakula Ankaa.

Victims from communities in Yaav Council Ward were listed as Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terese, Liambee Yohanen, Tordue Dooshima, Tordue Doover, Liambee Aondosoo, Azezamber Gyuse and Terundu Tyozur, while several others are yet to be identified as search efforts continue.

Six persons who sustained injuries during the attacks are currently receiving treatment at a nearby health facility.

Residents said local search teams were still combing surrounding bushes and river banks amid fears that more casualties could be discovered.

The killings have drawn condemnation from the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Austin Agada, who in a statement issued by his publicity secretary, Morgan Ihomun, described the attacks as barbaric and called on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

Also reacting, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and unacceptable.

The governor extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured residents of Kwande that his administration would intensify security operations to bring those responsible to justice and restore peace in the area.

Alia noted that over 400 security personnel had recently been deployed to Jato-Aka and surrounding communities, but acknowledged that further measures were necessary to end the recurring attacks.