The death toll from the recent attacks in Turan and Jato-Aka district of Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), Benue State, has risen to 24 following the discovery of additional bodies on Saturday morning.
Residents reported that the attacks, which took place on Thursday, targeted the Mbaav community in Mbadura Council Ward as well as multiple settlements in Yaav Council Ward.
Initial reports had placed the casualty figure at 16 after separate assaults in the morning and evening, but ongoing search operations uncovered more victims.
A former Supervisory Councillor of Kwande LGA, Akerigba Lawrence, confirmed that some of the bodies had been thrown into the river, with one recovered on Saturday, bringing the total confirmed deaths to 24.
Lawrence identified the victims from the Mbaav community as Ushahemba Kaun, Assue Pever, Ijir Iorlu, Tyowase Terkimbi, Iorbee Tyoor, Iorkase Iber, Kungwa Adaa, Tyavbee Gbanger, and Aondoakula Ankaa.
Those from Yaav Council Ward included Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terese, Liambee Yohanen, Tordue Dooshima, Tordue Doover, Liambee Aondosoo, Azezamber Gyuse, and Terundu Tyozur.
Several other victims remain unidentified as search teams continue combing surrounding bushes and riverbanks.
Six people who sustained injuries during the attacks are currently receiving treatment at a nearby health facility, while fears persist that additional casualties could be discovered.
The attacks have drawn strong condemnation from political and state authorities.
Austin Agada, chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, described the killings as barbaric in a statement issued by his publicity secretary, Morgan Ihomun, and called on security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
Similarly, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks as senseless and unacceptable, extending condolences to the families of the victims.
He assured residents that his administration would intensify security operations to bring those responsible to justice and restore peace to the area.
Governor Alia noted that over 400 security personnel had recently been deployed to Jato-Aka and surrounding communities but emphasised that additional measures were required to prevent the recurrence of such attacks.
The violence highlights ongoing insecurity challenges in Kwande LGA, where communities continue to face the threat of armed invasions, despite recent security reinforcements.
