Armed herders kill seven in Gwer East attack, troops launch manhunt in Benue
Suspected armed herders have killed seven residents in Agana community, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, in a fresh attack that has triggered heightened security operations in the area.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:45 a.m. on April 5, 2026, when troops of Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed at Mbakyior and Agidi outposts, responded to a distress call about an attack on the community.
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On arrival, the troops discovered seven lifeless bodies of residents who were reportedly killed by the assailants before fleeing the scene.
Preliminary findings by the troops indicated that the attack may be linked to an earlier incident involving cattle rustling and the killing of livestock allegedly carried out by some youths of the community on April 3.
The deceased were evacuated to the Ikpayongo morgue, while troops have intensified patrols in the area to prevent further escalation.
Security sources said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the attack, as operations continue to restore calm in the affected community.