A violent attack by armed herdsmen in a Benue State community near a prominent military base has left the region in shock, with at least 20 residents confirmed dead. The brazen assault occurred in the early hours of today, leading to widespread panic among local residents, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who are stationed in the area for their national service.
According to eyewitness reports, a group of heavily armed herdsmen raided the community in the vicinity of the military base, launching an assault that left numerous homes burnt and destroyed. The attackers reportedly targeted vulnerable residents, including women and children, before fleeing the scene.
The security situation has caused significant concern for Corps Members, who are stationed in the region as part of their community service. Many Corps Members, particularly those assigned to educational institutions and humanitarian services, are now in a state of fear as the violence escalates. While the military presence in the area remains substantial, it appears that the herdsmen were able to bypass security checkpoints undetected, leading to heightened insecurity in the region.
Local authorities, including the Benue State Government, have condemned the attack and called for immediate intervention to safeguard the community. The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has issued a statement demanding increased protection for civilians and the NYSC Corps Members, as well as swift action by the federal government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“We are devastated by this senseless loss of lives, and our thoughts are with the families affected,” Governor Ortom said in his statement. “We demand more stringent measures to ensure that such atrocities do not continue to plague our communities.”
Security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, have been deployed to the area to restore order and search for the perpetrators. In a statement, the Army assured the public that the attackers would face the full weight of the law.