The Benue State Police Command has repelled an attack by suspected armed herders in Awanse community, Kwande Local Government Area of the state, rescuing an abducted woman unhurt.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the incident occurred on February 6, 2026 at about 12:40 pm, when police operatives on confidence-building patrol across Kwande LGA received a distress report that armed herders had invaded the community, firing sporadically.
The statement said the attackers abducted a woman along the road during the invasion. However, police teams swiftly mobilised to the area, engaged the assailants in a gun duel, and successfully repelled the attack, forcing the suspects to flee.
DSP Edet noted that the victim was rescued unhurt and that no life was lost during the incident at Awanse community.
He added that the area has since been secured, with additional tactical armed personnel deployed to reinforce security and prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, the police also gave an update on the earlier attack in Abende community, which occurred on February 3, 2026.
The command said that during sustained search and combing operations, five additional bodies were recovered, bringing the total number of fatalities from the Abende attack to 10.
The police further stated that the security situation in the affected communities is presently calm, as intensive patrols, surveillance, and monitoring continue.
Reacting to the development, Benue State Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari assured residents of the command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
He stressed that all necessary operational measures are being sustained to forestall further attacks and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The statement was signed by DSP Udeme Edet on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
Police repel herdsmen attack in Benue, rescue abducted woman
