The lawmaker representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency, Terseer Ugbor, has blamed illegal mining activities for the worsening insecurity in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.
His reaction followed a violent attack on Abande community, where gunmen killed at least 17 people, including a police officer, during a market day.
The assailants, suspected to be armed herdsmen, invaded the community market on Tuesday and opened fire on traders and buyers.
Residents fled in panic as the attackers shot indiscriminately, leaving several people injured and many others missing.
Ugbor described the killings as avoidable, accusing security agencies of ignoring earlier intelligence reports.
“This is one killing too many. We raised the alarm several days before the attack,” he said.
According to him, reports on the movement and gathering of armed groups around the Kashimbila axis were forwarded to security agencies without action.
He explained that Abande is a border community, sharing boundaries with Cameroon and Taraba State, which exposes it to cross-border criminal activities.
“These routes have become transit corridors and hideouts for armed groups. The warning signs were clear,” Ugbor added.
Describing the incident, the lawmaker said the attackers arrived in large numbers and targeted civilians.
“They invaded the market and began shooting at innocent villagers. A Mobile Police officer was killed on duty,” he said.
Ugbor warned that the death toll could rise as search operations continue in nearby bushes and settlements.
“So far, at least 17 bodies have been recovered, but many residents are still unaccounted for,” he stated.
The lawmaker called for urgent military intervention, including aerial operations, to dismantle criminal camps in the area.
“The Nigerian Air Force must immediately clear the Kashimbila axis, which now serves as a staging ground for attacks,” he said.
Ugbor also linked the rising violence to illegal mining operations across Kwande Local Government Area.
He said the illegal extraction of gold, lithium, iron ore and other minerals has attracted armed groups and intensified banditry.
“If this situation persists, the border areas of Benue, Taraba and Cameroon will become a major national security flashpoint,” he warned.
Ugbor urged the Federal and Benue State governments to take decisive steps to curb illegal mining and strengthen security in border communities.
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