HERDERS ATTACK In Benue: NYSC Takes Drastic Measures, Withdraws Corps Members From Troubled Community
There are indications that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Benue State has decided to remove its members from Mbaa community in Kwande Local Government Area due to ongoing violent attacks. According to Yahuza Adamu, the NYSC’ s Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations in the state, this decision was necessary to ensure the safety of corps members. He shared this information in a statement released to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday. Adamu explained that the corps members were withdrawn because of continuous attacks in the area, which have made it unsafe for them to live and work there.
Reports indicate that suspected armed herders have been responsible for the violence. More than 20 people have been killed, including 16 farmers whose bodies were discovered in River Katsina Ala. The security situation in the community remains tense, and residents are living in fear. Many families have fled their homes to seek safety in other areas. Local authorities are being urged to take action to restore peace and protect the lives of those still in the community. To reassure parents and guardians, Adamu emphasized that the NYSC in Benue State is always alert and dedicated to the well- being of all its Corps Members.
He assured that the organization will keep working closely with security agencies to ensure their safety. The statement read, ” Since the beginning of incessant attacks on Mbaa Community which shares boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, NYSC withdrew all Corps Members from the area, and has not posted any there till date. ” He said that the NYSC inspector in Kwande Local Government counted all the corps members in the area and confirmed that they were safe. ” Hence, all Corps Members serving in Jato Acka Turan, which is far away from the affected community, are not exposed to any security threat.
These disputes often escalate into violent confrontations, with reports of armed herders attacking villages, killing residents, and burning homes. The attacks have left a deep scar on the affected communities. Many farmers have been forced to abandon their lands, leading to reduced food production and a rise in hunger and economic hardship. Schools and health centers in some areas have been shut down due to insecurity, denying people access to education and medical care. Markets and businesses have also suffered as fear of attacks prevents normal economic activities.
One of the most devastating effects of these attacks is the large number of displaced people. Thousands of families have fled their homes and are now living in overcrowded camps or seeking refuge in safer towns and cities. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) often lack basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical care, worsening their suffering. The government and security agencies have made several efforts to curb the violence, including deploying military personnel and police forces to affected areas. However, despite these measures, attacks continue to occur, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the response.
Some residents have accused security agencies of not doing enough to protect them, while others believe political interests have contributed to the ongoing crisis. Beyond the immediate loss of lives and property, the continued violence has fueled ethnic and religious tensions in Benue State. Many communities now live in fear and distrust, making peaceful coexistence difficult. The attacks have also affected investment and development in the state, as insecurity discourages businesses from operating in volatile areas. Addressing the crisis requires a combination of security, political, and economic solutions.
