Makurdi — A member of the House of Representatives, Terseer Ugbor, has linked the worsening insecurity in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to rampant illegal mining activities, following a deadly attack on Abande community that claimed at least 17 lives.
The lawmaker, who represents Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, spoke after gunmen suspected to be armed herders stormed the Abande community market on Tuesday, opening fire on traders and shoppers. The attack left several people injured, killed a mobile police officer on duty, and forced many residents to flee, with others still missing.
Ugbor described the incident as avoidable, accusing security agencies of failing to act on intelligence warnings issued days before the attack.
“This is one killing too many. We raised the alarm well ahead of time. Reports of the movement and concentration of bandits around the Kashimbila axis were forwarded to security agencies, but unfortunately, nothing was done,” he said.
He explained that Abande is a strategic border community, sharing boundaries with Cameroon and Taraba State, making it increasingly exposed to cross-border criminal activity.
“These border areas have become routes and hideouts for armed groups. The warning signs were clear, but the response was absent,” Ugbor added.
According to the lawmaker, the attackers arrived in large numbers and began shooting indiscriminately at civilians going about their normal trading activities.
“They invaded the market in their hundreds. A Mobile Police officer was killed on the spot, while two others narrowly escaped,” he said, noting that the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue operations continue.
“As of this morning, at least 17 bodies have been recovered, but many people are still unaccounted for. The number of casualties may be higher,” he warned.
Ugbor called for immediate military intervention, including aerial operations, to dismantle criminal camps in the area.
“We are calling on the Nigerian Air Force to urgently clear the Kashimbila axis, which has become a staging ground for attacks on communities in Kwande and neighbouring areas,” he said.
He also pointed to illegal mining as a major driver of violence in the region, alleging that the illicit extraction of gold, lithium, iron ore, and other minerals has attracted armed groups and deepened banditry.
“Kwande has become a hotspot for illegal mining. If this situation is not urgently addressed, the border areas of Benue, Taraba, and Cameroon risk becoming a major security flashpoint for the entire country,” Ugbor cautioned.
The lawmaker urged both the federal and Benue State governments to take decisive action to restore security and prevent further loss of lives in the area.
