Tension is escalating in Moon District of Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, following the alleged disruption of a Federal Government military barracks project at Imande Dura.
The Federal Government had approved the construction of a military formation in the community as a strategic security intervention for the area. Imande Dura in Moon District is the only part of Benue State that shares an international border with the Republic of Cameroon, making the siting of a military formation there a strategic security necessity in the face of rising insecurity and cross-border threats.
According to findings, on Friday, 11th September 2026, a joint team comprising military officials, officials of Kwande Local Government and traditional rulers visited Imande Dura for preliminary assessment and to take coordinates of the land allocated for the barracks. On sighting the team, individuals identified as Jukuns from Kashimbila in Taraba State reportedly perceived the exercise as a threat and mounted a signpost on the designated site, claiming that the area belongs to Taraba State.
In a fresh incident on Saturday, 19th September 2026, military officials returned to Imande Dura for an extended survey of the land. On arrival, suspected Jukun militia allegedly attempted to stop the officials from accessing the area. Sources at the scene said the group resorted to hurling objects at the officers and their vehicles. The situation was brought under control due to the professionalism displayed by the officers, preventing what could have degenerated into a full-blown crisis.
It was further gathered that on their way out of the community, the militia again blocked the road leading out of Imande Dura, but the officers successfully dismantled the roadblocks and returned without incident.
Observers say the development is a deliberate attempt to escalate security tension in Moon District at a time when genuine efforts are being made by the government to contain insecurity in the area and secure the international border corridor. As of press time, security authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incidents.
