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The Benue State Police Command has successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Awanse community, Kwande Local Government Area, rescuing an abducted woman unharmed. The incident occurred on February 6, 2026, around 12:40 p.m., during a confidence-building patrol by police operatives across the area.
According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the attackers invaded the community, firing sporadically and abducting a woman along the road. Police teams responded swiftly, engaged the assailants in a gun duel, and forced them to flee, securing the victim’s release without any casualties on their side or further harm to the woman.
Additional tactical armed personnel have since been deployed to reinforce security, with intensive patrols, surveillance, and monitoring ongoing to prevent further incidents. The security situation in the affected areas is now described as calm.
In a related update, the command provided details on an earlier attack in Abende community on February 3, 2026. Sustained search and combing operations recovered five additional bodies, raising the total fatalities from that assault to 10.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property. He emphasized that all necessary operational measures are being sustained to forestall further attacks and bring those responsible to justice.
These developments come amid persistent security challenges in parts of Benue State, particularly in Kwande LGA, where farmer-herder tensions and armed incursions have frequently led to violence and displacement. The police actions highlight efforts to respond proactively to distress calls and stabilize vulnerable communities.
