Fresh violence has rocked Benue State as bandits, suspected to be armed herders, ed a solr and an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Udeku community, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area.
The , 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 s 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 ers opened fire on them and ed them instantly,” a source disclosed.
Youths in the community reportedly mobilised shortly after the , combed nearby forests and recovered the charred bos 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 ed five farmers, deepening fears among residents.
A senior military officer with Operation Whirl Stroke confirmed the ing of the solr, 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 ed were ed, 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.
This is just heartbreaking. When will the government take serious action against these bandits terrorizing communities? Enough is enough.
Do you think the government is doing enough to protect communities from bandit s? Its scary how vulnerable we feel.
Do you think more security measures are needed in rural areas to combat bandit s? Its getting scary out there.
Do you think the government is doing enough to protect communities from bandit s? Its scary how residents have to flee their own homes.
Do we need more security presence in rural communities like Kwande to prevent such tragic incidents? Thoughts?
Do you think the government is doing enough to protect communities from bandits? Its heartbreaking to see residents fleeing.
Should the government implement harsher penalties for banditry to deter s like this? Its time for action.