‘We Can’t Access Our Homes or Farms’ — Displaced Resident
By Ekani Olikita
(Makurdi– Breaking) Armed Fulani Islamic terrorists have killed nine Christian farmers within 24 hours in two farming communities in Benue State, Central Nigeria.
The attacks occurred in Kwande and Guma counties—both predominantly Tiv tribal communities where farming is the primary livelihood and Christianity is practiced by an estimated 98 percent of the population.
Five Farmers Killed in Kwande County
In the latest incident, which took place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, an estimated 10 armed Fulani ethnic militia at about 4 pm ambushed farmers working on their yam and Bambara nut farms in Udeku Maav-Ya community, Mbakyol Truran Ward, Kwande County.
Local sources said the attackers, speaking Fufulde and chanting “Allahu Akbar,” opened fire and used machetes on the victims. Five farmers were confirmed dead, while several residents were reported missing as search efforts continued.
Residents Condemn Attack
Solomon Amande, former senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization to a former Benue State governor and a youth leader in Kwande, condemned the killings and called for urgent action by authorities.
“About ten Fulani jihadists, speaking Fulfulde and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar,’ ambushed our people on their farms,” Amande told TruthNigeria. “Three of the victims have been identified as Tyozua Gyuse, Gbaga Gyuse, and Tersuur Ijighka. The identities of the remaining two are yet to be confirmed as search operations continue.”
Community leaders said the attackers fled immediately after the assault, leaving families devastated and residents fearful of returning to their farms.
Residents described the killings as part of a wider pattern of intimidation and occupation by armed groups. Terna Msughter, a displaced resident of Maav-Ya, in a phone interview with TruthNigeria Correspondent said, hundreds of armed militia have taken over villages and farmlands.
“More than 500 Fulani ethnic militia are occupying our villages and farms,” Msughter said. “We have relocated to Jato-Aka town because we can no longer go home or farm without risking our lives. How can anyone claim to be a herder while carrying sophisticated weapons, attacking farmers, and occupying their land?”
Displacement has intensified at the peak of the farming- and harvesting season, worsening hunger and poverty in already vulnerable communities.
Kwande County Chairman Confirms Attack
The Chairman of Kwande County, Vitalis Terhile Neji, confirmed the killings and said security agencies had been notified.
“Yes, five of my people were killed on their farms in Udeku Maav-Ya community. I have briefed the heads of security agencies, and security personnel have been deployed to the area.”, Vitalis told TruthNigeria.
Four Farmers Killed in Guma County
Less than 24 hours earlier, on Monday, January 5, 2026, another attack occurred in Ikyaghev community, Saghev Precinct (Council Ward) of Guma County. At about 10:00 a.m., a group of about 15 Fulani ethnic militia ambushed Christian farmers harvesting rice, killing four
Prince Alaka Junior, Youth leader of Saghev community in an interview with TruthNigeria, said the attackers spoke Fulfulde and chanted Islamic slogan (Allahu Akbar) during the assault.
“We lost four brothers—Mr. Orseer, Mr. Zachary and two others,” Alaka said. “Many people were injured and are currently receiving treatment at Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi. These attacks have been happening for years with little action to stop them.”
Guma County Chairman Reacts
Guma County Chairman, Maurice Orwough, confirmed the incident and said security forces had been deployed.
“Security personnel have been mobilized to Saghev, and I have been monitoring the situation,” Orwough spoke to TruthNigeria.
Despite these assurances, residents expressed skepticism, citing previous attacks and what they describe as slow or ineffective security responses.
Food Security for Nigeria Under Threat
Kwande and Guma counties are part of Benue State’s agricultural belt. Community leaders warn that continued attacks on farmers threaten not only lives but also food security and economic survival.
As families mourn the dead and search for the missing, residents are calling for urgent and decisive intervention to dislodge armed groups, secure farmlands, and enable displaced persons to return home safely.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
