Policeman and 16 Villagers Killed in Benue Market Attack, Sparking Insecurity Fears

In a devastating incident in Benue, a policeman and 16 villagers were killed in an attack at a market. The attack, which occurred in Akerigba, Kwande LGA, involved armed assailants opening fire on traders and residents, resulting in several casualties.

The attackers looted goods estimated at N150 million before setting the market on fire. Among the confirmed dead were individuals like Iornunb Agba, Chia Kile, Terseer Sheng, Emmanuel Agba, and Ortswe Gbind.

This incident adds to the escalating insecurity in the area, with previous attacks reported, including one on Christmas Day in 2024 where 28 people were killed. The lack of a visible security presence near the Nigeria-Cameroon border compounds the challenges faced by communities in the region.

The Nigerian Police Force responded to the recent attack, with four deaths confirmed on February 3, 2026, during a confrontation with suspected armed herders and bandits in Jato Aka. The police have intensified operations to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safety of the affected communities.