February 6, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
MAKURDI, Nigeria — At least 13 people were killed and several traders were abducted when armed gunmen launched a coordinated attack on a busy market in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, residents and local officials confirmed on Thursday.
The assault occurred on Wednesday afternoon at Abande Market, a commercial hub where farmers, traders and customers from neighbouring communities gather to buy and sell produce and goods. According to eyewitnesses, attackers arrived in several vehicles and opened fire before escaping into surrounding bushland.
Local authorities said 13 people lost their lives in the incident, and multiple traders were taken from the market by the attackers. Families of the abducted individuals have urged both state and federal security agencies to act swiftly to secure their release.
A community leader in Kwande, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described a scene of chaos and fear as people fled to nearby villages and farmlands following the raid. “It was sudden,” the source said. “People were trying to get to safety. Our priority now is to find those taken and get reinforcements to protect our communities.”
The Benue State Government condemned the attack in a statement issued later on Thursday, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families and pledging that security forces are pursuing the assailants. The government also called on residents to remain calm and to cooperate with security personnel as investigations continue.
Security sources told Dalena Reporters that military and police units have been deployed to the affected area to maintain order, reinforce vulnerable communities and begin tracking those responsible. Details about the identities or motivations of the attackers have not yet been released.
Benue State has periodically experienced violence attributed to clashes involving armed groups in rural areas, especially around farming and trading hubs. These incidents have disrupted economic activities and prompted calls from community groups for better security coordination between federal and state forces.
The attack at Abande Market comes just days after a separate violent incident at Anwase Market in Kwande and other neighbouring villages, where traders and residents were forced to flee amid concerns over armed presence in the area. Some observers say the pattern of violence highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring rural security and protecting trade routes that are vital to local economies.
As families search for loved ones and law-enforcement agencies investigate, humanitarian groups have called for emergency support for displaced residents and urgent measures to improve security along key roads and market centres in Benue’s rural communities.
Security analysts note that attacks on market locations not only result in loss of life but also undermine local commerce and community confidence. The return of traders and customers to daily economic activities will depend on sustained security efforts and clear progress in addressing the underlying threats.