From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
At least five farmers were on Tuesday evening killed by armed assailants in a fresh attack on Udeku Maav-Ya community in Mbakyol Council Ward, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State.
The attack, which occurred at about 4pm when the residents were harvesting yams and bambara nuts, has triggered fresh fears and concerns over food production and security this year in one of Benue’s major agrarian areas.
Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Tersua Yarkwan, who confirmed the killings of the five persons, said the attackers did not immediately withdraw after the assault, worsening tension in the area.
He described Kwande as a vulnerable border local government that shares international boundary with Cameroon, noting that its rough terrain complicates security operations.
Yarkwan warned that the continued attacks during harvest season, threatens food security, stressing that farming activities have been severely disrupted as residents now avoid their farms out of fear.
Also speaking, a former Supervisory Councillor in the local government, Akerigba Lawrence, said the community alleged that residents have experienced sustained threat occasioned by shootings, destruction of crops, homes, and economic trees, as well as restricted access to water sources.
He disclosed that those confirmed killed include Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka, adding that the names of two others were yet unknown while search operations were ongoing as some residents remained missing at the time of filing this report.
Lawrence said schools, churches, and markets have been forced to shut down following repeated attacks, while lamenting the absence of sustained security intervention.
Efforts to get comments from Police Spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as of press time calls put across to her were unanswered, ditto messages sent to her phone.
