Security operatives have repelled suspected bandits who invaded Anwase village in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, in north-central Nigeria.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the incident on Friday, 6 February 2026, while responding to questions.
“It is true, there was attack on Anwase but our gallant officers repelled them and there was no casualty,” Edet said.
Residents said the suspected bandits entered Anwase at about noon on Friday and set houses on fire.
A local source said some residents were reportedly injured during the invasion.
Anwase is a neighbouring village to Abande, which was attacked on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, leading to the reported death of six people, including a mobile police officer attached to Nigeria’s Police Mobile Force.
A former councillor in the local government, Lawrence Akerigbe, said security operatives stepped in quickly and this prevented further harm.
He said the attackers burnt about 11 houses.
“The attack on Anwase happened at about noon on Friday, the invaders burnt down about 11 houses,” Akerigbe said.
“Some people were also injured during the attack but fortunately, security operatives that were deployed to Abande community that was attacked three days earlier were on patrol when they ran into the invaders,” he added.
“Immediately the bandits sighted the security men they fled, that was what saved the situation.”
The repeated attacks in Benue State, especially in Kwande LGA, have increased concern over security in the area.
Anwase was also attacked on Christmas Day in 2024, when over 28 people were reportedly killed.
Akerigbe also said no fewer than 76 people have been killed in the past two years in the local government, with several communities facing repeated attacks.