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A deadly overnight attack has left residents of Iwanenev community at Ugbemba Junction in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State gripped by fear, following the killing of two persons and the abduction of three others by unidentified gunmen.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, January 22, 2026, saw a group of armed assailants storm the community under the cover of darkness, unleashing violence on unsuspecting residents before making away with their victims to an unknown destination.
Community sources who spoke to reporters described the attack as sudden and terrifying, with gunshots ringing through the night as the attackers targeted homes and individuals. The two persons confirmed killed were said to have died on the spot, while the three abducted individuals — whose identities are yet to be publicly released — remain in captivity.
The assault has heightened anxiety across the community, with residents now calling for urgent and decisive action from both state and federal authorities to halt the cycle of violence and prevent further incursions. Many have expressed deep concern over the apparent ease with which the gunmen operated and the lack of immediate security presence during the attack.
In response to the tragedy, community leaders and residents have appealed directly to the Benue State Government, under the leadership of Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and to the Chairman of Buruku Local Government Area, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoaokura, to intervene swiftly. They urged the deployment of additional security forces, intensified patrols, and thorough investigations to apprehend the perpetrators, secure the release of the abducted persons, and restore a sense of safety in the area.
The latest violence comes amid persistent security challenges in parts of Benue State, where rural communities continue to face threats from armed groups, often linked to farmer-herder conflicts and banditry. Residents of Iwanenev have stressed the need for proactive measures, including sustained surveillance and community engagement, to safeguard lives and property.
As investigations are expected to commence, the incident serves as another stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security architecture in vulnerable communities across the state. Local leaders have vowed to remain vigilant while pressing for concrete steps to bring lasting peace to Buruku and surrounding areas.
