Suspected bandits believed to be armed herders have killed a soldier and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Udedeku community, located in the Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State.
A community leader, Lawrence Akerigba, confirmed the incident on Saturday, explaining that the deadly attack triggered panic and forced residents to abandon the community. He noted that both economic and social activities in the area have been completely disrupted since the incident.
Reports indicate that the slain security personnel were part of a team deployed to Kwande to help restore calm following repeated attacks by suspected armed herders. The officers were said to have been returning from Aga Market on a motorcycle after refilling their cooking gas when they encountered a roadblock allegedly set up by Fulani militants who were attacking the area.
“They were caught off guard and shot at close range, leading to their instant death,” a source disclosed.
Following the attack, local youths reportedly mobilised and searched nearby forests, where they later recovered the burnt remains of the officers. The bodies were subsequently deposited at the mortuary in Jato Aka.
The NSCDC later identified its slain officer as Chief Corps Assistant Tijani Idris, with service number 76691. He was originally attached to the Kaduna State Command but was seconded to the Operation Whirl Stroke Joint Task Force. The agency stated that despite the tragic loss, it remains resolute in its commitment to tackling insecurity nationwide.
In recent weeks, Benue State has witnessed renewed attacks on farmers and security personnel, a development that followed a US airstrike on ISWAP camps in Sokoto on December 25. Community leaders, including the traditional ruler of Gwer West Local Government Area, HRH Daniel Abomtse, and the Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, James Ejeh, have separately raised concerns over the growing influx of bandits into the state.
It was also gathered that the same group of suspected herders had invaded the area last week, killing five farmers.
A senior military officer attached to Operation Whirl Stroke, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the killing of the soldier, noting that the deceased was an aircraftman. The Benue State Police Command also acknowledged the incident, clarifying that no police officer was involved, although an officer from another security agency lost his life.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Michael Ejelikwu, further confirmed that the attack occurred around 3:00 pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Udedeku in Maav-Ya, Mbakyor council ward of Kwande Local Government Area, where three security operatives were attacked and two killed.
