The governor described the attack as a direct challenge to Benue State and Nigeria’s security system.

A manhunt has been ordered for terrorists behind the deadly attack on Abande community in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, as Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident and directed security agencies to arrest those responsible.

The governor described the attack as a direct challenge to Benue State and Nigeria’s security system.

He gave the directive in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, in Makurdi.

Governor Alia said the perpetrators of the Tuesday attack on Abande must be brought to justice.

He lamented that the terrorists had again dared the state and stressed that the incident must be addressed decisively.

“My heart goes out to the peaceful people of Abande,” the governor said.

“This cowardly act of terror, which claimed innocent lives, including a gallant police officer, and led to the destruction of homes, is an assault on our shared humanity and an affront to the peace and security of Benue State.”

“I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Abande community at this painful time.”

“May I assure the peace-loving people of Benue that this government will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property.”

“I have already directed the relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas, go after the perpetrators with all energies at their disposal, and restore safety to our communities.”

“We are strengthening collaboration with federal security authorities and local intelligence structures to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that such attacks are prevented.”

The governor assured the people of Turan and Kwande that they were not alone.

He urged residents of the state to remain hopeful, united and resilient despite the grief.

Several people, including a mobile police officer, were killed during the violent attack on Abande community in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.

The attack occurred on Tuesday when armed men invaded the community near the Cameroon border.

There have been conflicting figures on the number of casualties recorded during the attack.

A former councillor in the area claimed that 17 people, including a police officer, were killed.

The chairman of the traditional council in Kwande, Ter Kwande, His Royal Majesty Timothy Ayile, said six community members and one policeman were killed.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed five deaths, including a police officer.

A former councillor, Akerigbe Lawrence, said the attackers struck on a market day.

He said about 17 people were killed during the invasion.

Lawrence added that the attackers looted market stalls and set the market on fire.

He said that as of 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday, some of the bodies had been conveyed to Jato Aka by Mobile Police personnel.

He listed victims recovered from the scene as Lornunbe Agba, Chia Kile, Terseer Shenge, Mker Ugbe, Emmanuel Agba, Ortswen Gbinde and a mobile police officer.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ter Kwande confirmed that six of his subjects and a policeman lost their lives.

He said Fulani terrorists attacked Abande community, which hosts a police post with four personnel.

He added that the remaining three policemen fled the area after the attack.

The traditional ruler appealed to the federal government to establish a military unit in Abande.

Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Wednesday.

She said the incident occurred on February 3, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m.

According to her, suspected armed herder bandits attacked police personnel and residents of Abande community.

She said an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to 13 Police Mobile Force, Makurdi, was fatally injured during the confrontation.

She added that four community members were also killed.

DSP Edet said combined teams of police and other security agencies had been deployed to secure the area and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

She confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been recovered and deposited at the mortuary.

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