Residents flee as suspected herdsmen kill two soldiers and three civilians in Benue community (video)

Two soldiers and three civilians were killed by suspected herdsmen in Jato Aka, Turan in the Kwande local government area of Benue State while many other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

A local said that the victims, including two residents identified as Yenge Kwaghkuga and Bem Adughigbudu, were killed in the attack which occurred on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

“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.” 

The President General of Mdzough U Tiv World Wide and Chairman of the three main socio-cultural organisations in Benue State, CP lorbee Ihagh, told journalists in Makurdi that five people including two soldiers and three natives were k!lled during the attack on Jato-Aka 

The attack has caused panic and fear within the community, with residents fleeing for their lives in search of safety. 

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.