The Digest:
At least 16 people have been reported killed following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Abande market in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The assault occurred on Tuesday afternoon while traders and customers were conducting business. According to community leader Lawrence Akerigba, the attackers opened fire, looted shops, taking millions of naira, and set parts of the market ablaze. A Mobile Police officer believed to be the unit commander was also killed during the incident. Search efforts are ongoing for missing persons, while recovered bodies have been taken to Jato-Aka.
Key Points:
- Market attacks disrupt local economies and deepen food insecurity in already vulnerable agrarian communities.
- The targeting of traders and looting of businesses reflects both economic and territorial dimensions of the violence.
- Loss of security personnel undermines public confidence and highlights the risks faced by those deployed to volatile areas.
- Such incidents exacerbate intercommunal tensions and complicate efforts toward peace and reconciliation.
- The attack underscores the persistent insecurity in Benue’s hinterlands despite state and federal security deployments.
The deadly assault on Abande market illustrates the continued threat to lives and livelihoods in Benue State and calls for reinforced, intelligence-driven security measures.
Sources: Punch, Vanguard
