Security operatives have repelled suspected bandits who invaded Anwase village in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

The State Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the attack while responding to inquiries on Friday.

Edet said, “It is true, there was attack on Anwase but our gallant officers repelled them and there was no casualty.

Our correspondent learnt that suspected bandits invaded Anwase village on Friday and burnt down several houses.

A local source from the village said some residents were reportedly injured during the invasion, which occurred at about noon on Friday.

Anwase is a neighbouring village to Abande, which was attacked on Tuesday by bandits, leading to the death of six people, including a mobile police officer.

A former councillor in the local government, Lawrence Akerigbe, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, said the suspected bandits invaded Anwase community on Friday.

The former councillor, who claimed to have visited the affected community on Saturday, said the prompt intervention of security operatives saved the area.

He said, “The attack on Anwase happened at about noon on Friday, the invaders burnt down about 11 houses.

“Some people were also injured during the attack but fortunately, security operatives that were deployed to Abande community that was attacked three days earlier were on patrol when they ran into the invaders.

“Immediately the bandits sighted the security men they fled , that was what saved the situation.

The repeated attacks by bandits on communities in Benue State, particularly in Kwande LGA, have heightened concerns over security in the area.

Anwase was also attacked on Christmas Day in 2024, when over 28 people were reportedly killed.

The former councillor lamented that no fewer than 76 people have been killed in the past two years in the local government, where several communities have faced repeated attacks. (PUNCH)