Two soldiers and two farmers were killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen in Jato Aka, Turan in Kwande local government area of Benue State while 2 other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
A local who craved anonymity told LEADERSHIP through a telephone call that the victims include two residents identified as Yenge Kwaghkuga and Bem Adughigbudu, as well as two soldiers.
According to him, “The soldiers who received a distress call from the locals that herdsmen were attacking Tse Tsumbu near Jato Aka town and on their way to the place, they were ambushed by the marauding herdsmen and in a gun battle, two soldiers, two civilians were killed while two other soldiers alongside many civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
In response to the attack, 12 trucks of security personnel were deployed to the area on Thursday morning.
While commending the security for deploying more personnel, residents said that more security presence was required to address the situation in view of the level of the attacks and sophisticated arms used by the herders.
According to the locals, the attack has severe impact on the community, with foodstuffs destroyed, economic activities crippled, and schools closed.
A resident of the area, Lawrence Akerigba who expressed concern over continuous attacks by herdsmen, said the hoodlums earlier attacked other communities before moving to Tse Tsumbu, Yaav ward, on Wednesday.
He said the attack has led to residents fleeing Jato Aka, the largest town in Turan, the hometown of formal Minister and elder statesman, Late Paul Unongo.
He emphasised that while people were moving out of Jato Aka, additional deployment of security would restore confidence in the community and motivate residents to return and continue with their farming activities.
Meanwhile the deputy governor of Benue State Sam Ode, who spoke during the state Executive Council meeting bemoaned the tragic loss of two gallant soldiers of the Nigerian Army by armed herders while on duty protecting civilians.
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