At least four people have been killed and 10 others injured following renewed attacks by suspected armed herders in parts of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
The violence reportedly began on Thursday when armed attackers invaded farmlands in Anyiase, Moon Council Ward, where farmers were working. Witnesses said the assailants opened fire on the farmers, killing two people at the scene while several others sustained gunshot wounds.
The injured victims were taken to a medical facility in Jato-Aka for treatment. However, one of the wounded later died while being transferred to Makurdi for specialised medical care, bringing the death toll from the first attack to three.
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Residents said the attackers struck again over the weekend, targeting a commercial vehicle near Ikyogen Junction as people attempted to flee the troubled communities. One passenger was reportedly killed instantly, while other occupants escaped by running into nearby bushes.
The latest attacks have forced many residents to abandon their homes over fears of further violence, worsening the humanitarian situation in the affected communities.
Attempts to obtain official comments from the Kwande Local Government authorities and the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting, with calls and messages seeking confirmation of the incidents receiving no response.
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