Christmas day turns bloody as gunmen launch attack, kill 11 in Benue communities

Tragedy struck on Christmas Day in Nyiev-ya, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, as gunmen launched a deadly attack on several communities, leaving at least 11 people dead.

The incident occurred while residents were celebrating the holiday with their families.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the attack in a phone conversation, stating that they received a distress message alerting them that “Nyiev-ya is under attack.”

“The terrorist herders came this afternoon (December 25), and invaded Ubutu and GSS Anwase, killing and burning houses,” the resident said.

“Daniel Jam’s son was killed by the terrorists. Pray for our community for God’s and Government intervention.”

While the killing was going on in Tse Azege community, another resident also informed that an attack was also ongoing in Ityuluv, in Nyiev-ya community.

“If there is anything the chairman or the government will do, let it be fast. The news coming from Kwande is still not pleasant. The terrorist herders have continued with their onslaught against our people today, (December 26),” he said.

The President General of Mzough U Tiv, (MUT) Worldwide, CP Iorbee Ihagh (retired), who hails from Kwande LGA, said the community head in the area confirmed the attack.

He described the attack as unprovoked and said several people were killed on Christmas Day.

“11 people were reportedly killed during the attack on Kwande LGA yesterday. The attack was unprovoked but the attackers who were herdsmen invaded the communities and attacked the people.

“Many are still missing. Leaders of the affected communities have reported the attack at the police station.”

Another native, Solomon Amande, whose community was affected, confirmed the death of 11 persons.

He claimed the killings were carried out by armed herders and militia groups.

The Benue State Police Command is yet to react to the latest attacks in both Katsina-Ala and Kwande local government areas.

When contacted, the Command’s spokesperson, Sewuese Anene, said she had no information on the incident.