Attacks in Nigeria’s Benue State Leave 30 dead in neighbouring towns

 Attacks in Nigeria’s Benue State Leave 30 dead in neighbouring towns

Razed homes are seen days after an attack that left dozens dead in the village of Woro, Nigeria, February, 5, 2026. /CFP

Two attacks in the space of a few days left 30 people dead in two neighbouring towns in Nigeria’s central state of Benue.

Armed bandits killed at least 13 traders on Friday afternoon in Anwase, a village in the Kwande area, local government official Ibi Andrew told AFP.

He said the assailants stormed the market and opened fire on the people randomly.”

“The attack left traders and residents traumatised, with properties destroyed and families searching for missing loved ones,” Andrew said.

On Tuesday, armed men had attacked the market in nearby Mbaikyor, killing 17 people, including a police officer, according to two residents and local media.

The region has seen a surge in violence in recent months between ethnic Fulani herders and farming communities over control of land and resources.

Though generally presented as communal clashes, the unrest stems from complex dynamics with land rivalries exacerbated by climate change, a proliferation of small arms and the lack of a sustainable response from the Nigerian state.

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Otaria Benjamin

As a Broadcast Journalist, Otaria hones the power of voice, narrative, and audience engagement. These skills now enrich her leadership in tech, AI and social spaces, enabling her to communicate complex ideas simply and drive community-centric innovation.

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