Despite Military Base, Herdsmen Invade Benue Community, Kill 20 Residents, Corps members Seek Protection
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members stationed in the Jato Aka Turan community within the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State are urgently calling for enhanced security measures following recent assaults by armed herdsmen. These attacks have tragically led to the deaths of no fewer than 20 individuals within two days.
According to accounts from the corps members, the sustained offensive, which occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, plunging the community into a state of chaos and heightened tension. Corps members have noted the alarming security vulnerabilities in Jato Aka Turan, which is situated near a Nigerian Army base. They reported observing, in broad daylight, over 20 motorcycles transporting armed individuals and munitions throughout the region.
The situation has reached a critical point, with corps members revealing that their Local Government Inspector (LGI) rarely visits the area except for the mandatory monthly clearance activities. It has been conveyed to them that, in the event of escalating violence, they should consider relocating to the neighbouring Adikpo community.
One corps member, serving in a different locality within the state, communicated with an individual in the affected area, affirming that Jato Aka Turan is a considerably remote village relative to Adikpo, which serves as the main town of the Kwande Local Government Area. The LGI’s infrequent visitation only exacerbate the insecurity felt by both the corps members and residents in the region.
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