Fresh violence has rocked Benue State as bandits, suspected to be armed herders, killed a soldier and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Udeku community, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday, was confirmed by a community leader, Mr. Lawrence Akerigba, who said the incident triggered panic and forced many residents to flee the area. He added that economic and social activities in the community had completely shut down following the deadly assault.
The slain security personnel were part of officers deployed under Operation Whirl Stroke to maintain peace amid persistent attacks in the area. Sources said the officers were returning from Aga Market on a motorcycle after refilling their cooking gas when they ran into a roadblock allegedly mounted by Fulani militants.
“They were taken unawares. The attackers opened fire on them and killed them instantly,” a source disclosed.
Youths in the community reportedly mobilised shortly after the attack, combed nearby forests and recovered the charred bodies of the officers. The remains were later deposited at the mortuary in Jato Aka.
The incident came barely a week after suspected herders reportedly invaded the area and killed five farmers, deepening fears among residents.
A senior military officer with Operation Whirl Stroke confirmed the killing of the soldier, identified as an aircraftman, while the Benue State Police Command clarified that no police officer was involved. The NSCDC spokesperson, Mr. Michael Ejelikwu, confirmed that two of the three security personnel attacked were killed, identifying one as CCA Tijani Idris, who was seconded from the Kaduna State Command.
Despite the loss, the NSCDC said it remains committed to confronting insecurity. Meanwhile, traditional and political leaders in Benue have raised alarm over the increasing influx of bandits, warning that the situation could worsen without urgent intervention.
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