Over 16 people, including a police officer, were killed in a violent attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Abande market in Benue State, with shops looted and the market set ablaze.
Suspected armed herdsmen killed more than 16 people during an attack on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at Abande market, where traders and buyers were conducting business. Witnesses said the attackers opened fire, looted shops, and set parts of the market ablaze.
A community leader, Lawrence Akerigba, confirmed a Mobile Police officer on duty was also killed. “People were buying and selling when the herders attacked. They looted shops, took away large sums of money and later set the market on fire,” he said. Several residents remain missing, and search operations are ongoing to account for all victims.