The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed renewed attacks and killings in the Jato Aka Turan community of Kwande Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, confirmed the incident to DriveTVNews over the phone, stating that two people had been officially confirmed dead.
However, DriveTVNews previously reported that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the area had raised urgent security concerns, claiming that at least 20 people had been killed in the latest wave of violence over the past two days.
According to corps members who spoke with DriveTVNews on Wednesday, the attacks occurred continuously between Sunday and Tuesday, leaving over 20 people dead and several others injured. The relentless assault has plunged the community into panic and uncertainty.
The corps members described Jato Aka Turan as a highly vulnerable area despite its proximity to a Nigerian Army base. They frequently witness groups of armed men on motorcycles openly moving through the villages in broad daylight.
They further explained that the security situation is so precarious that their Local Government Inspector (LGI) seldom visits, except for the mandatory monthly clearance. The LGI reportedly advised them to relocate to the neighboring Adikpo community if the attacks in Jato Aka Turan intensified.
Despite the alarming reports, the police spokesperson assured that normalcy had been restored in the area. She noted that no arrests had been made, as security forces were focused on engaging the attackers, whom she described as bandits.
SP Anene stated, “Yes, there was an attack in a remote area of Kwande Local Government, along the boundary between Kwande and Taraba. But the situation has been brought under control. However, we did not confirm reports of 20 casualties.”
She added, “Even today, the state government sent a delegation there. Initially, the confirmed death toll was two. However, I have not received any further updates.
“The panic arose because many people were fleeing for safety, making the situation appear more dire. There were definitely injuries, but I have not been given an exact number.”
When asked about arrests related to the attack, SP Anene responded, “No, that area is difficult for police to conduct arrests. Security forces are deployed there primarily for direct engagement with the attackers rather than making arrests.
“These are typically bandits, and the area is located near the border, mainly consisting of farmland. While there are residents, the primary concern was the mass exodus of people fearing further attacks.
“The exact location of the attack is not where the corps members are stationed. However, people are fleeing out of fear. Security forces have since returned to the area to maintain order.”
