Gunmen, on Thursday night, unleashed mayhem on rural community in Benue State, Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities, Yaav and Mbadura Council wards, Kwande Local Government Area. The gunmen killed 12 persons in the onslaught, and injured several others.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, on Friday, condemned the brutal killings in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council wards of Kwande Local Government Area.

The onslaught on Thursdays night, though accounted for 12 deaths, and several persons sustaining various degrees of injuries, however, there are indications that the number of casualties may be highjer.

Governor Alia who described the attack as "barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable". He expressed sorrow and outrage over the loss of lives, and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.

The governor, in a statement by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity, strategy and communication, Solomon Iorpev, assured the people of Kwande and Benue State that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.

The Governor directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks. He appealed to the people of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, as they work to restore peace to the area. Kwande in particular.