Bandits invade Benue market, killing five and injuring seven

Yanriwa Market in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, was attacked by armed bandits who were believed to be herders. The attack resulted in the death of five traders and injuries to seven others.

A local named Lawrence Akerigba spoke with reporters over the phone and stated that as trade was taking place at the market around 3 p.m., the assailants burst in. Akerigba claims that the assailants shot at anybody they could find, leading to widespread carnage.

He expressed his disappointment that no more security forces had been sent to the region after a tragic attack on Christmas Day in 2024 killed more than 20 farmers, despite earlier assurances from the administration.

There has been zero action on the federal government’s pledge to increase the number of security personnel stationed in our areas to facilitate the return of displaced farmers. Akerigba lamented that they had been left to face their destiny.

He detailed how the farmers who had to forge a new path to market after the Anwase road became inaccessible owing to persistent attacks relied on Yanriwa Market, a mountainous place frequented by people from the Ikyurav and Turan groups.

As shoppers and vendors were mingling, herdsmen barged into the marketplace. The incident resulted in five deaths, seven injuries, and numerous individuals who have not been located. He further stated that the search for the missing is ongoing.

The area’s churches, schools, and marketplaces have all been closed down owing to the constant attacks, and Akerigba has called for the immediate deployment of additional security troops to make the area safe again.

There aren’t enough security guards to adequately protect the area, but they’re trying their best. “We need immediate assistance so that our kids can go back to school and farmers can get back to their fields,” he declared. The five council wards hit hard by the issue have all kept their schools closed for the time being.