In a tragic incident on Christmas Day, the communities of Yaav and Mbakyol in Kwande local government area of Benue State were attacked by armed bandits believed to be herdsmen. This brutal attack left more than 12 people dead and resulted in the abduction of seven children.

A resident who has fled to Jato-Aka, named Lawrence Akerigba, spoke by phone about the horror that unfolded. He explained that the attackers struck in the afternoon when families were at home enjoying the festive season. Many in the community were injured, and several individuals are still missing.

On the evening of the attack, a group of eight boys, sent by their parents to collect crops for the following day’s meal, encountered the attackers. Tragically, one boy was killed, while the other seven escaped with injuries and are currently being treated in a hospital, although the location remains undisclosed.

Akerigba mentioned that these violent incidents have been ongoing, especially after the funeral of a local leader. He expressed that four out of five council wards in their area have been abandoned for over a decade due to continuous attacks by these bandits.

He lamented that people from Mbadura council ward, where he is from, have all had to leave their homes and seek refuge in Jato-Aka due to fear. Akerigba criticized the government, saying it seems to have forgotten about the suffering of the people. He stated that they have received no assistance or relief materials, and while others were celebrating, they were left to deal with the aftermath of the attack.

Akerigba also shared that many young people are now hiding in the bushes, as there are still individuals unaccounted for, including women and children. He reported that search efforts have uncovered nine bodies at the scene and three more from surrounding areas, with search teams still working to find those missing.

He urged the government to ensure the safety of their communities so that families can return to their farms and provide for themselves, as the local security forces appear overwhelmed and ineffective. Akerigba noted that despite the ongoing crisis, no security personnel had arrived to assist by the next morning, leaving the families grieving and hopeless.

He also mentioned the names of some of the victims, highlighting the community’s collective grief. Efforts to reach the local police spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to calls or messages.