Bandits have once again invaded two communities in the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, killing five people, including two soldiers.

The state government condemned the attack and mourned the victims.

According to residents, the two affected communities, Mgbaigbe and Mbaitye, are located a few kilometres from the Turan headquarters in Jato Acka.

The bandits reportedly attacked the communities in a commando-style operation, ambushing soldiers who were on surveillance in the area.

Several villages in Turan land, such as Moon, Mbaikyor, Mbadura, Kumakwagh, and Yaav, had recently experienced similar attacks, forcing residents to flee to Jato Acka, where they are now seeking refuge.

President-General of Mdzou U Tiv Worldwide, Iorbee Ihagh, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH.

Ihagh, who is a retired Comptroller of Prisons, called on the people of Benue to prepare and defend themselves against further attacks.

Ihagh expressed concern about the growing influence of Fulani herders in the region.

?These attackers, who are Fulani herdsmen, are gradually taking over the state. If they succeed in capturing Jato Acka, the Turan headquarters, then the entire Tiv nation will be at risk. Jato Acka is the ancestral home of the Tiv people, much like Ile-Ife is to the Yoruba. I received information that the Fulani herders invaded Mgbaigbe community on Wednesday, killing three locals and two soldiers.?

Ihagh commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his developmental efforts in the state but called on him to take stronger action to protect lives and property.

Additionally, Ihagh called for the revival of traditional methods of defence, stating, ?In the 19th century, the Tiv people defeated the Fulanis during the jihad war using poisonous arrows. I urge our people to return to these traditional ways and defend themselves. Enough of fleeing.?

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joe Har, also confirmed the incident but said he was unable to reach the military commander in the Kwande area for further details.

He noted, ?Yes, I heard about the bandit conflict in Kwande, but I cannot confirm the casualties as the troops? commandant has not been reachable due to the location.?

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue Police Command, Catherine Anene, neither denied nor confirmed the attack, stating only, ?We have officers who have been managing the crisis in Kwande.?

However, the state government has confirmed the deaths of the two soldiers.

During the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, expressed sorrow over the loss.

According to a statement issued by the Governor?s Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the Deputy Governor said, ?In a solemn reflection, the Deputy Governor bemoaned the tragic loss of two gallant soldiers from the Nigerian Army, who were murdered by armed herders while on duty, protecting civilians in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.?

John Charles (The PUNCH)

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