Olusegun Ariyo
Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly killed two soldiers in Jato-Aka town, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State
The armed herders also killed a police officer and two farmers identified as Yenge Kwaghkuga and Bem Adughigbudu in the community.
An eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the soldiers were ambushed while responding to a distress call to rescue residents living on the outskirts of Jato-Aka town.
He said that in response to the attack, 12 trucks of security personnel were deployed to the area on Thursday morning.
Checks revealed that one soldier sustained a gunshot wound on his thigh, while another soldier who was shot during the attack, was still missing.
However, residents believed that more security should be deployed to the volatile area due to the level of attacks and sophistication of arms held by the attackers in the area.
The attacks have crippled economic activities, as the residents can no longer engage in farming activities.
A resident of the area, jiba okoi, expressed concern over the persistent attacks by herdsmen, stating that they had attacked Tse Tsumbu and Yaav ward on Wednesday killing two people.
“The attacked area is home to the legislative aide to Senator Emmanuel Udende, whose brother, a member of the Volunteer guard, was killed last year.
“We have fled Jato Aka, which is the largest town in Turan, which is also the hometown of the former minister and elder statesman, Late Wantaregh Paul Iorpuu Unongo.
“Jato Aka is like Afghanistan now, hence residents are unable to enter their homeland.
“While people are moving out of Jato Aka, increased security would restore confidence in the community and motivate residents to return and continue with their normal,” he said.
The source said the injured soldier has been evacuated to NKST Hospital in Jato-Aka for medical treatment, while efforts were ongoing to locate the missing personnel.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, CSP Catherine Anene, said she had yet to confirm the incident.
The spokesman for OPWS in Benue State, Sgt James confirmed the killing of the two soldiers and others in the Kwande local government area.
“Our men are on their way back to Makurdi. They may arrive around 9 pm. I don’t want to give you incomplete information,” he said Thursday night.
