Kwande Attack: Benue Rep Advises Constituents On Self-Defence, 17 Bodies Recovered

A member of the House of Representatives representing Kwande/Ushongu federal constituency, Terseer Ugbor, has said 17 bodies have been recovered from the terrorists’ attack on Abande Market in Kwande local government area of Benue State.

Ugbor called on his constituents not to abandon their lands and to prepare for self-defence.

“I will continue to provide support to these community security efforts,” he said.

The state police command, however, confirmed that five people, including a police officer, were killed during Tuesday’s attack on the community.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed the incident in a statement.

Taking to his verified Facebook page yesterday, Ugbor, who condemned the attack, said it was time for an urgent response from the security forces to bring lasting peace to Kwande.

“I received the news of a deadly attack on communities in my federal constituency. I prayed it wasn’t true, I hoped it was a false alarm, I made frantic calls to the security agents on the ground, but alas, it was true.

“Another gruesome killing by herdsmen-turned bandits. They attacked Abande market on the boundary with Cameroon on a market day. A soft target of innocent villagers going about their normal business. So far, 17 bodies have been recovered.

“According to eyewitness reports, they came in their numbers, estimated at over 200 armed, bloodthirsty killers, said to be camped at the Kashimbila area of Taraba State bordering Kwande in Benue.

“Once again, I am publicly calling on the security agencies to respond to this situation and put a permanent stop to the endless attacks on our communities. I am in discussions with the highest security authorities to establish full operational commands of the Army, Police and Immigration at the Nigeria-Cameroon border in Benue State.

“In a few days, I will be on the ground to assess the situation for myself and engage with the communities. I call on my people not to abandon their lands and to always prepare for self-defence. I will continue to provide support to these community security efforts. Turan will not fall,” Ugbor said.