Attacks by suspected herdsmen in Benue State have led to the killing of at least 5,000 persons in recent times.
A yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons have been killed in a fresh attack on Ayin community in Benue State.
The attack, which happened on Thursday night, was carried out by suspected herdsmen, SaharaReporters gathered.
“Suspected armed herdsmen came to Ayin, Benue State, yesterday night to attack our people again. This attack claimed the lives of multiple villagers, and we are still recovering corpses in the bush till now,” a top source told SaharaReporters.
“However, the traditional rulers are trying to hide the situation from escalating.”
The latest attack comes three days after 16 farmers were ambushed and killed on Kashimbila Road in the state while returning to their community in Mbandwa ward.
The farmers were returning home on Monday when they were ambushed.
Their bodies were dumped in the river by the gunmen.
SaharaReporters had also reported that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had withdrawn all corps members from Mbaa community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State due to escalating violent attacks.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC in Benue, Yahuza Adamu, said the withdrawal was prompted by incessant security threats in the area.
“Since the beginning of incessant attacks on Mbaa Community, which shares a boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, NYSC withdrew all corps members from the area and has not posted any there till date,” the statement read.
The situation in Mbaa has worsened, with suspected armed herders reportedly killing over 20 people, including 16 farmers whose bodies were discovered in River Katsina Ala.
Adamu assured parents and guardians that NYSC remains vigilant and committed to the welfare of corps members.
He stated that the NYSC Kwande Local Government Inspector had conducted a headcount, confirming that all corps members were safe and accounted for.
“Hence, all corps members serving in Jato Acka Turan, which is far away from the affected community, are not exposed to any security threat,” he added.
The NYSC official stressed that the organisation takes proactive measures to safeguard corps members.