…condemns Abande killings

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

The lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, has attributed the escalating insecurity in Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State to illegal mining activities, following the killing of at least 17 persons, including a police officer, during a deadly attack on Abande community.

The attack, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, occurred on Tuesday, as traders and buyers gathered at the community market, throwing the area into mourning and fear. Several residents were injured, while scores of others are still missing.

Reacting to the incident, Ugbor described the attack as avoidable, lamenting what he called the failure of security agencies to act on early warnings.

“This is one killing too many. We raised the alarm several days before this attack. Reports about the movement and gathering of bandits around the Kashimbila axis were forwarded to security agencies, but unfortunately, no action was taken,” the lawmaker said.

Abande, he noted, is a strategic border community, sharing boundaries with Cameroon and parts of Taraba State, making it vulnerable to cross-border criminal activity.

“Abande borders Cameroon and the Kashimbila area of Taraba State. These locations have increasingly become routes and hideouts for armed groups. The warning signs were clear, but the response was absent,” Ugbor stated.

According to him, the assailants stormed the market in large numbers and opened fire indiscriminately. “They invaded the market in their hundreds and started shooting at innocent villagers who were simply doing their daily trading. A Mobile Police officer on duty was killed during the attack, while two other officers narrowly escaped.”

Ugbor said the casualty figure might rise as search operations continue. “As at this morning, at least 17 bodies have been recovered. But many people are still unaccounted for. Some information reaching me suggests the number of fatalities could be much higher.”

The federal lawmaker called for urgent military intervention, particularly air operations, to dismantle criminal camps in the area. “We are calling on the Nigerian Air Force to immediately clear the Kashimbila axis, which has become a staging ground for attacks on communities in Kwande and surrounding areas.”

He further linked the insecurity to illegal extraction of mineral resources, warning of dire consequences if the situation was left unchecked.

“Kwande LGA has turned into a hub for illegal mining of gold, lithium, iron ore and other minerals. This has attracted armed groups and intensified banditry. If this is not urgently addressed, the border areas of Benue, Taraba and Cameroon will become a major security flashpoint for the country,” he warned.