National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Jato Aka Turan, a community within the Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria, are urgently appealing for security assistance. They report a devastating series of attacks by armed herdsmen, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 residents in just two days, from Sunday to Tuesday. The corps members describe a community gripped by fear and chaos, highlighting the persistent security vulnerabilities of the area.
The corps members express deep concern over the apparent lack of security despite the proximity of Jato Aka Turan to a Nigerian Army base. They regularly witness groups of heavily armed men, often riding over 20 motorcycles and carrying ammunition, openly moving through the villages. This brazen display of force underscores the community’s vulnerability and the apparent impunity with which these groups operate
The corps members further lament the infrequent presence of their Local Government Inspector (LGI), who primarily visits only for the monthly clearance exercise. This lack of regular support contributes to their sense of isolation and vulnerability. Adding to their anxieties, the LGI has reportedly advised them to relocate to the neighboring Adikpo community should the attacks intensify. This recommendation underscores the severity of the security situation and the limited options available to the corps members.
A corps member serving in a different community within Benue State relayed information received from a colleague stationed in Jato Aka Turan. This colleague described Jato as a remote village, far from Adikpo, the Kwande Local Government Area’s administrative center. The isolated location of Jato Aka Turan further complicates the security challenges faced by the corps members serving there.
The corps member in Jato Aka Turan emphasized the constant fear and insecurity they experience. They have reported their concerns to the LGI, who, as previously mentioned, suggested relocation to Adikpo as a contingency plan. They also reached out to a nearby military checkpoint, a small barrack, to voice their fears. The military personnel reportedly advised them to contact them if any problems arose.
The corps members’ fears are amplified by the frequent sightings of armed men on motorcycles traveling to nearby communities. These men, sometimes described as vigilantes, are said to engage in clashes with herdsmen. These confrontations, however, often lead to retaliatory attacks by the herdsmen, resulting in civilian casualties and further destabilizing the already precarious security situation. The corps members fear that they too may become victims of this escalating violence
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A Facebook user, Wase Richie Aondofa, shared graphic images of the attacks, detailing the devastation in Jato Aka Turan and surrounding communities. Aondofa’s post calls for immediate intervention from relevant authorities, emphasizing the loss of lives and widespread destruction of property. The post paints a grim picture of a community under siege, desperately pleading for help.
A WhatsApp status update from a corps member further underscores the severity of the situation, claiming that at least 20 people were killed in the attacks. The status also alleges that NYSC staff were aware of the long-standing conflict in the region, dating back to 2014, yet downplayed the insecurity in Benue State. The message describes a chaotic scene at a school during a Nigerian Air Force operation, where students fled amidst the sounds of explosions.
Despite repeated attempts by SaharaReporters to obtain a comment from the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, regarding the police response to the attacks, their calls were not answered. While SP Catherine initially responded with a text message stating she was unavailable, she did not subsequently respond to further inquiries, raising concerns about the lack of official communication regarding the crisis.
