Terror Attacks Kill 13 in Benue, Catholic Priest And 10 Others Abducted in Kaduna

Fresh attacks by suspected terrorists and armed herders in Benue and Kaduna states have left at least 13 people dead, with a Catholic priest and 10 others abducted, plunging affected communities into mourning.

In Benue State, suspected armed herders attacked Anwase Market in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA), killing 13 people and destroying several properties. The assault occurred barely two days after a similar attack on Abande community in the same LGA, where no fewer than 16 persons, including a mobile police officer, were killed.

Confirming the Anwase market attack, an aide to the Kwande LGA chairman, Ibi Andrew, said the casualty figure had been verified, adding that the council chairman, Vitalis Neji, accompanied by security agencies, had moved to the area to restore calm and prevent further violence.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers emerged from a nearby mountain and opened fire sporadically at the market, forcing traders and customers to flee in panic. As of the time of reporting, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official confirmation of the incident.

However, in a related development, the police announced the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of live ammunition in Ukum LGA of the state. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said operatives intercepted a suspect identified as Saamoga, also known as Aleki, on February 6, 2026.

According to the statement, the suspect was allegedly transporting ammunition on a commercial motorcycle from Gbagir to Zaki-Biam when police acted on credible intelligence and carried out a stop-and-search operation in Tse Dubem area. The suspect reportedly attempted to escape but was shot in the leg and arrested.

Police said a search of his belongings led to the recovery of 117 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside socks in a handbag, alongside charms and a mobile phone. During preliminary investigations, the suspect allegedly confessed that the ammunition was being conveyed to Taraba State.

The police added that the suspect was taken to the General Hospital in Zaki-Biam for treatment, where he later died while receiving medical care. The command also disclosed that it successfully repelled an attack by suspected armed Fulani herders on Edikwu Icho community in Apa LGA.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna State, three people were killed and 11 others abducted during an early morning attack on Karku community in Kauru LGA. The incident occurred just two days after Governor Uba Sani received 172 Christian worshippers who were previously abducted in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru LGA.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Very Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, confirmed the Kaduna attack in a statement on Saturday. He said the assailants invaded the community around 3:20 a.m., killed three residents, and abducted the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, along with 10 other community members.

The victims killed were identified as Jacob Dan’azumi, Maitala Kaura, and Alhaji Kusari.

“With profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku,” the statement said, describing the attack as a violent invasion by terrorists.

The diocese called on the faithful to pray for the safe release of the abducted priest and other victims, as security agencies intensify efforts to restore peace in the affected areas.