The once-peaceful community of Jato-Aka, in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, has been gripped by terror as suspected herdsmen launched relentless attacks over four consecutive days, killing at least 20 people and leaving hundreds displaced.
A resident of the community, speaking exclusively to Hobnob News on Wednesday, described the devastation, saying the attackers burned down houses, farmlands, and food supplies, rendering many homeless.
“Fulani herdsmen have killed innocent members of my family in Jato-Aka and have left everyone homeless as we speak,” the resident lamented.
The latest attack, according to him, occurred on Tuesday evening, leaving one person dead and several homes destroyed.
“They attacked again yesterday. It was an evening attack. They killed one person and burned down several houses and farm produce. Most of the houses in the community are thatch houses. The armed Fulani herders burned almost all of them down,” he recounted.
Since Saturday, reports indicate that at least 20 people have been killed, including an eight-year-old boy named Aondofa, who was among the victims of Tuesday’s assault.
The continuous assaults have forced families to flee their ancestral homes in search of safety.
“Now, many people are leaving because we don’t want to die. I have asked my brothers to take children and old people who can’t defend themselves to neighbouring towns in case of subsequent attacks,” the resident said.
Armed herdsmen are reported to have taken control of key areas in the community, including farmlands, making it impossible for residents to cultivate crops.
“They have taken over a particular village across the river. It is trekkable from our community. They have taken over farmlands. People are running away from the communities, so how can they even think of farming?” he added.
This latest wave of violence comes just days after Hobnob News exposed the growing fear among Jato-Aka residents following repeated invasions by suspected herdsmen. Thousands of villagers have already been displaced, seeking refuge in neighbouring towns.
Residents say the attackers follow a pattern, often sending spies ahead to survey the area before launching full-scale invasions.
“The guards protecting the community quickly moved to interrogate them. (Our) investigation has shown that herdsmen often use individuals by giving them money to scout areas and report back before they launch their attacks,” a resident disclosed.
Local security forces have heightened surveillance, with residents questioning unfamiliar faces in the area. However, a recent encounter with suspected spies led to a confrontation between community youths and the Nigerian Army. The military reportedly opened fire to disperse the crowd, causing panic.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Anene Sewuese, confirmed that Jato-Aka had suffered attacks in recent weeks. However, she denied claims that any suspects had been handed over to the police.
“Yes, there was an attack at Jato-Aka about two weeks ago, and police officers were deployed to the area. However, fear of another possible attack has kept the people tense,” she said.
As fear and uncertainty spread, the people of Jato-Aka are left with a pressing question: How long before help arrives?
