Herders Kill Two Farmers, Trigger Mass Flight in Kwande

Fear returned quietly, yet forcefully, to farming settlements that had hoped the worst violence was behind them.

On Wednesday, 14 January 2026, at about 2:30 pm, in Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, suspected armed herders attacked several farming communities, killing two local farmers and forcing residents to flee their homes.

What Happened in Turan District

Turan District sits in a fertile part of Kwande Local Government Area, where most families depend on subsistence farming. On Wednesday afternoon, residents said calm farming activities suddenly gave way to panic.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers entered Imande Avur community first. They moved quickly toward farmlands where farmers worked in groups. As a result, many people abandoned their tools and ran for safety.

Meanwhile, the sound of gunshots spread fear across nearby settlements. Consequently, residents in Abande and Mbaikyor also fled after receiving warnings from those who escaped the first assault.

At the same time, community members tried to alert others using phone calls and word of mouth. However, the attackers moved faster than expected, leaving little time for organized evacuation.

Deaths That Shattered the Community

The violence claimed the lives of Elder Abur Alam and his son, Ikyaa, both farmers known across the district.

According to local accounts, the victims worked on their farmland when the attackers arrived. As a result, they had no opportunity to escape.

In addition, residents described Elder Alam as a respected figure who often mediated disputes within the community. Therefore, his death carried emotional weight far beyond his immediate family.

Meanwhile, relatives gathered briefly before fear forced them to leave the area. Consequently, burial arrangements took place quietly, without the communal rites usually observed.

Mass Displacement Across Farming Settlements

After news of the attack spread, displacement followed almost immediately.

As a result, families abandoned homes, food supplies, and livestock. Moreover, women and children moved toward safer villages, while some men hid in surrounding bushes.

Meanwhile, schools closed as teachers and pupils fled. At the same time, local markets shut down, disrupting trade activities that support daily survival.

Consequently, several communities within Turan District remained nearly empty by nightfall. However, fear of a return attack prevented many residents from going back.

Herders Kill Two Farmers: Voices From the Community

Community leaders expressed deep frustration over the repeated violence.

According to a former councillor in Kwande Local Government Area, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, the attack followed a troubling pattern. Therefore, residents now live with constant fear.

Furthermore, he explained that many farmers no longer feel safe accessing their land. As a result, food production continues to decline across the district.

Meanwhile, youth groups warned that continued neglect could push young people to abandon farming entirely. Consequently, rural poverty may worsen.

Security Concerns in Benue’s Rural Areas

The attack highlights ongoing security challenges across rural Benue State.

In recent years, farming communities have faced repeated assaults linked to land disputes and migration pressures. As a result, displacement has become common during planting seasons.

Moreover, limited security presence in remote areas has encouraged attackers to strike quickly and withdraw. Therefore, residents often rely on early warnings rather than protection.

According to reports from human rights organizations, rural violence has contributed to humanitarian pressure across the Middle Belt. For broader context, see Amnesty International’s analysis on displacement in Nigeria.

Impact on Farming and Local Economy

Farming remains the primary livelihood in Turan District.

As a result of displacement, farmers abandoned crops still in the field. Consequently, local food supply faces disruption.

Meanwhile, traders who depend on farm produce reported reduced activity. In addition, transportation costs increased as supply routes became unsafe.

Therefore, residents fear that prolonged insecurity could affect food prices beyond the district.

Calls for Immediate Government Action

Community members have renewed calls for urgent intervention.

According to local leaders, security agencies must increase patrols in farming areas. Furthermore, residents want rapid response teams stationed closer to vulnerable communities.

Meanwhile, civil groups continue to push for early warning systems. As a result, they believe communities can evacuate faster during threats.

However, residents insist that long-term peace requires more than temporary deployments.

Looking Ahead for Displaced Families

Displaced families now face difficult decisions.

While some hope to return home soon, others remain uncertain. Consequently, many families depend on relatives for shelter.

Meanwhile, rebuilding trust will take time. Therefore, community leaders continue dialogue efforts aimed at restoring stability.

For now, Turan District remains tense, as residents wait for assurance that safety will return.

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