The National Youth Service Corps has confirmed the withdrawal of corps members from Mbaa community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State due to ongoing attacks.The Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC in the state, Yahuza Adamu, stated this in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.
Adamu said that the withdrawal of corps members from Mbaa community was as a result of incessant attacks on the community.Suspected armed herders have reportedly killed over 20 people, including 16 farmers whose bodies were found in River Katsina Ala.
According to the corps members who spoke with SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the herdsmen in an uninterrupted sustained attack between Sunday and Tuesday killed at least 20 and injured several others, throwing the community into chaos and tension.
The corps members lamented that Jato Aka Turan community, which is not far from a Nigerian Army base, is known for security vulnerability as they often watch in broad daylight how more than 20 motorcyles loaded with armed men and ammunition pass around the villages.
They said that the security situation in the community is so bad that their Local Government Inspector (LGI) hardly comes to the community except for the monthly clearance exercise, and that the LGI told them that if the attacks enveloped Jato Aka Turan community, they should move to neighbouring Adikpo community.
A corps member serving in another community in the state told SaharaReporters on Wednesday, “I have been able to speak with one of us at Jato Aka Turan, the affected area of Kwande Local Government Area.
“He said Jato is a far remote village from Adikpo, Kwande Local Government Area Secretariat main town. “The LGI hardly goes there except for clearance. Likewise, the corps members there have their own activities and CDS there. They are about 21 serving corps members there in Jato Aka Turan, Kwande LGA.
“The corper who I spoke with, who is currently serving at Jato Aka Turan emphasised on challenges and said that they are not safe and they have reported to the LGI. “According to him, the LGI said when the issue gets there, in their community, they should move to Adikpo. “They also went to the nearby military checkpoint, a mini barrack and complained to them. The military men said anytime there is a problem, they (corpers) should contact them. “Corps members in Jato Aka Turan often watch in broad daylight more than 20 bikes loaded with men and ammunition who head to the nearby communities to fight herdsmen. “When they (vigilante) relent, herdsmen attack and kill the villagers. If nothing is done about the corps members, God forbid, I fear they might be affected.”
A Facebook user with name, Wase Richie Aondofa, who posted about the attacks on Facebook with some gory photos wrote.“Pictorial evidence of series of attacks in different communities in my village yesterday, at Jato Aka Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State by the Fulani herdsmen.“Several lives were lost and properties worth millions destroyed. We are calling on all the relevant agencies responsible for this to please come for our rescue.
“We are dying! My village, Jato Aka Turan, Kwande Local Government Area, is no longer safe. God may your will be done.” However, the NYSC PRO in the state allaying the fear of parents and guardians, said that the NYSC Benue State remains vigilant and committed to the welfare of all its Corps Members and promised to continue to work with security agencies to ensure their safety.
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.“In fact, as a matter of policy, NYSC consistently takes proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure that Corps Members receive the necessary protection at all times,” Adamu stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to security, NYSC pledged continued collaboration with security agencies. “We assure parents and guardians that NYSC Benue State remains vigilant and committed to the welfare of all its Corps Members and will continue to work with security agencies to ensure their safety at all times,” the statement added.
Adamu urged parents and guardians to rely on NYSC’s official communication channels for accurate updates.“Parents and guardians are encouraged to obtain accurate updates from NYSC official channels,” he concluded.
Source : https://punchng.com/
