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Reports emerged late on February 8, 2026, of an ongoing attack by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. According to a social media post by a local advocate, the assailants, described as “Fulani terrorists,” are currently burning down structures across communities in the area, with at least two people already reported killed.
The incident, shared around 10:04 p.m., alleges that homes and properties are being set ablaze, heightening panic among residents. The post tagged key officials, including the Benue State Government, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, and local representatives such as Hon. Terseer Ugbor and Hon. Vitalis Terhile Neji, calling for urgent intervention.
This development comes amid a recent wave of violence in Kwande LGA. Just days earlier, on February 6, police successfully repelled an attack in Awanse community, rescuing an abducted woman unhurt with no fatalities reported in that engagement. However, an earlier assault on February 3 in Abende community saw the death toll rise to 10 after additional bodies were recovered during search operations.
Other reports from the region indicate repeated attacks, including one on Anwase market where 13 people were killed and properties destroyed, as well as incidents involving arson and displacement in nearby areas like Mbaikyor. Community sources and local leaders have expressed frustration over persistent insecurity, often linked to farmer-herder conflicts over land and resources, with attackers exploiting difficult terrain near borders.
No official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command or government has been issued yet regarding tonight’s specific claims of burning and killings. Authorities have previously emphasized ongoing patrols, reinforcements, and commitments to protect lives and property in vulnerable communities.
The situation underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of Benue State, where such incidents frequently lead to loss of life, property destruction, and calls for stronger measures to curb violence and restore calm. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as details continue to emerge.
