A devastating twin attack by herdsmen on Monday left two people dead and many displaced in Jato Aka and Anwase communities, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state.
The attack, which occurred simultaneously in both communities around 2:30 pm, resulted in the killing of Iorfa Jina and his four-year-old child.
The herdsmen also burnt seven houses, including those belonging to the kindred head Chief Usaka Andwen, Orseer Adai, Viashima Agogo, and other residents.
In Anwase, the herdsmen burnt 16 houses, displacing many people and forcing them to flee to nearby mountains for safety.
The attack also led to the destruction of foodstuffs, including yams, bags of groundnut, dried cassava, and Bambara nuts.
A resident in the area and President General Nyiev Ya development Association Joseph Akanyi said despite the presence of soldiers in the area, they were unavailable to respond to the attack as they were said to be on patrol.
He said most residents have decided to vacate from Anwase town because, since the soldiers were stationed at Government secondary school Anwase, they have not been able to protect residents from attacks by the herdsmen.
He said following the Monday attack, more people have packed out of the area for safer places.
It could be noted that the attack occurred while key stakeholders were in a meeting with the governor’s deputy in Makurdi to discuss the ongoing crisis.
This latest attack comes amidst growing tensions in the region, with residents calling for government’s intervention to address the escalating violence.
Police authorities are yet to comment on the latest development.