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Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly condemned a deadly terrorist attack that struck the Abande community in Turan district, Kwande Local Government Area, describing it as a cowardly act that targeted innocent civilians on a market day.
The assault occurred on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, when armed gunmen—referred to in various reports as terrorists, bandits, or suspected herdsmen—invaded the bustling Abande market in Mbaikyor Ward. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately on traders, residents, and security personnel, killing several people on the spot and razing homes and property amid the chaos.
Reports on the casualty figures vary slightly across sources. Local accounts and some media outlets indicate at least 17 people were killed, including 16 villagers and one Mobile Police officer from the 13 Police Mobile Force. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the death of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to the unit, along with four civilians, while combined security teams have been deployed to the area to secure the community, recover bodies, and pursue the perpetrators.
Governor Alia, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, expressed profound grief and solidarity with the affected families and the people of Abande. He stated that his heart goes out to the peaceful residents of the community, calling the incident an assault on shared humanity and an affront to the peace and security of Benue State.
The governor described the attack as one in which terrorists dared the state and Nigeria’s security apparatus once more, vowing that they must be confronted decisively in the language they understand best. He extended his sincerest condolences to the victims’ families and the entire Abande community during this painful time.
Assuring the people of Benue that his administration will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property, Governor Alia revealed that he has directed relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas. This includes going after the perpetrators with full energy, restoring safety to communities, and meticulously strengthening collaboration with federal security authorities and local intelligence structures to ensure those responsible are brought to justice and future attacks are prevented.
He further reassured the residents of Turan and Kwande at large that they are not alone, standing with them in solidarity and compassion. The governor urged the people to hold fast to hope, unity, and resilience at this moment of grief, affirming that the state shall overcome this challenge.
The incident has heightened concerns over ongoing insecurity in Kwande LGA, where recurring violence—often linked to herder-farmer clashes, illegal mining activities, and armed incursions—continues to claim lives in rural areas. A federal lawmaker representing the constituency has previously pointed to illegal mining as a major driver of such attacks. Authorities have launched manhunt and pursuit operations, with calls from community leaders for sustained security presence to safeguard vulnerable populations. Investigations into the attackers’ motives and identities remain ongoing as the state works to restore calm and prevent further bloodshed.
