Police Foil Deadly Raid in Benue Village, Kidnap Victim Freed as Security Sweep Continues

Security operatives in Benue State have successfully stopped an armed assault on Awanse settlement in Kwande Local Government Area, preventing further harm and securing the release of a woman who had been taken during the chaos.

According to state police authorities, gunmen stormed the community and began shooting, creating panic among residents. Rapid response teams moved into the area, confronted the attackers, and pushed them out after an exchange. The kidnapped resident was recovered safely, and officials confirmed that no additional casualties were recorded during the incident.

Police also reported new findings from a separate security operation in Abende community, where search teams discovered five more bodies following an earlier violent episode. The latest recovery raises the confirmed death toll there to ten.

Law enforcement says the affected zones are now under close watch, with reinforced patrols and surveillance operations ongoing to prevent further violence. The state police leadership reassured residents that protective measures remain active and that efforts to track down those responsible are underway.