16 Christians, Policeman Killed in New Kwande Attack
Soldier, Two Fulani Militiamen Among Dead
By Ekani Olikita
At least thirty-two people have been killed across Benue communities, including 17 killed in new attack on Kwande community, heightening fears over worsening insecurity.
The fatalities were recorded in Kwande, Gwer-West, Apa, Agatu, and Ohimini Counties (local government areas). Among the dead; a Mobile Policeman, a Nigerian soldier and two armed Fulani militia members, according to residents and security sources.
17 Killed in Fresh Kwande Attack
The deadliest incident occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when armed Fulani Ethnic Militia attacked Abande village market in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande LGA, killing 16 traders and a mobile police officer.
The attack took place around 5:45 p.m. as the market was closing.
Akough Orduen, a native of Abande, told TruthNigeria that about 25 gunmen stormed the market, speaking Fulfulde and chanting “Allahu Akbar” as they opened fire.
“The bodies of the 16 traders and the policeman have been recovered and deposited at a mortuary in Jato-Aka,” he said.
The attack followed earlier killings in the same area. On January 14, 2026, a Christian farmer, Elder Abur Alam Bashi, and his son, Ikyaa Bashi, were murdered while working on their rice farm in Imande Avur village, also in Mbaikyor Ward.
“Yes, they were killed on their farm. Their bodies were recovered and buried,” said Solomon Amande, Kwande Youth Leader.
Five Killed in Gwer-West
Five people were killed in separate incidents in Gwer-West LGA within 48 hours.
On Monday, January 26, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) ambushed and killed two armed Fulani militia at Ahume village as they allegedly attempted to block the Makurdi–Naka Road to abduct commuters.
Earlier, on Thursday, January 22, suspected Fulani militia attacked Tse-Amuneke village in Mbapupuu Ward, killing two residents identified as Gungur Aondoakula, a 30-year-old teacher, and Shimayohol Ordi, 29.
Another farmer was killed on Tuesday, January 27, when armed men ambushed villagers along the Agagbe–Abian Road.
Confirming the incidents, Dr. Damian Attah, Former Aide to the Benue State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said two of the attacks were carried out by Fulani Ethnic Militia, while one was a military operation.
“The two militia killed by troops were part of kidnapping gangs terrorising our communities,” Attah said. “The farmers at Tse-Amuneke were attacked by about eight armed men speaking Fulfulde and shouting ‘Allahu Akbar”, Damian told TruthNigeria.
Gwer-West Chairman, Hon. Victor Ormin in a phone interview with TruthNigeria, condemned the attacks, blaming cross-border movement of armed groups from Nasarawa State.
“We have repeatedly alerted security agencies, but these terrorists continue to cross into our communities, kill our people, destroy farms, and occupy homes,” he said.
Soldier, Four Others Killed in Apa
In Apa LGA, five people, including a soldier attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, were killed in a series of attacks.
Adakole Sale, a resident of Ochumekwu community, told TruthNigeria that “on Friday, January 30, armed men ambushed and killed an engine operator in Ikobi community”.
“Two days earlier, another resident, Alhaji Adah, was killed along the Ijaha–Oloke Road while heading to his farm”.
“Several villages, including Edikwu’Ankpali, Okwuji, Kano, Ugbobi, and Atankpa, have since been abandoned due to repeated attacks”, Adakole told TruthNigeria.
Earlier still, on January 24, a Christian trader, Joseph Okoh, was killed when armed militia blocked the Adoka–Odugbo Road at Edikwu-Okpogo village. A woman, Aneh Sunday, was severely injured and is receiving treatment.
Human rights activist Meddy Olotu called for the empowerment of local community guards called vigilantes in Nigeria.
“These killings are becoming unbearable. Communities must be allowed to defend themselves,” Meddy told TruthNigeria.
Two Killed in Agatu, One in Ohimini
In Agatu LGA, armed Fulani militia attacked Opatali, Ejima G’Eche, and Ejima G’Okpa communities on January 23, killing two residents and injuring five others.
Former Agatu Vice Chairman and security analyst John Anthony Ikwulono said the attacks were coordinated and launched simultaneously.
“The attackers came from neighboring Nasarawa and Kogi states, speaking Fulfulde and chanting ‘Allahu Akbar,’” he told TruthNigeria.
In Ohimini LGA, one young man was killed on January 27 in Alaglanu community, Oglewu Ward.
Williams Pablo Agada, Zonal Commander of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards in Benue South in a phone call with TruthNigeria, warned of increasing militant movement into forested areas.
“Our people are living in fear. We lack the manpower and firepower to confront these groups,” he said.
Military Blocks Terror Routes
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army says it has blocked two major cross-border routes—Obi-Keana-Guma and Awe-Guma—used by armed groups to launch attacks from Nasarawa State into Benue.
Speaking during an operational tour in Guma LGA, Lt. Col. Donatus Otobo, Commanding Officer of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI, said the routes had long served as escape corridors.
“We have blocked those routes and pushed them back. We have achieved about 80 percent security within our area of responsibility,” he said.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
