Tension Rises as Armed Herdsmen Attack Anyiase Community
A fresh wave of violence has hit Benue State as suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly ambush in the Anyiase community near Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA).
The attack claimed the lives of two soldiers and three civilians, escalating fears of ongoing insecurity in the region.
Deadly Ambush Leaves Five Dead
Reports indicate that the attackers struck on Wednesday, targeting the community where they killed three residents.
As soldiers patrolling the area responded, they ran into the ambush, leading to the deaths of two military personnel. Some of the attackers were reportedly killed in the exchange of fire.
A local source described the tragic scene: “The bandits attacked the community, killing three people. The soldiers on patrol encountered them, and in the gunfight that followed, two soldiers were killed. Some of the attackers also died.”
The assault has forced many residents to flee their homes, while others gathered to witness the remains of the fallen soldiers.
Leaders Call for Stronger Security Measures
Reacting to the incident, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, President General of Mzough U Tiv (MUT) and Chairman of Benue Socio-Cultural Organizations, condemned the attack and confirmed the casualties.
“Five people, including two soldiers and three natives, were killed in the attack,” he stated.
Chief Ihagh urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to take decisive action to enhance security across the state. He also called on Benue residents to defend themselves, citing historical methods of resistance used in 1804.
Government Responds to the Attack
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, acknowledged the situation but revealed difficulties in reaching the commander of the military team involved.
Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), a joint military task force, has yet to issue an official response.
The Benue State Executive Council, led by Governor Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the attack. A statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the murder of the two soldiers as a tragic loss, emphasizing the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
Unrest Continues in Jato Aka
This attack is the latest in a series of violent assaults in the Jato Aka region, where armed herdsmen have repeatedly forced communities to flee for safety.
Residents are calling for urgent military intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
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