The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has officially withdrawn all corps members from Mbaa community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State due to persistent attacks by suspected armed herders.
The Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations of NYSC in the state, Yahuza Adamu, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Makurdi on Thursday. He explained that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of corps members serving in the troubled area.
According to reports, over 20 people have been killed in recent weeks, including 16 farmers whose bodies were discovered in the River Katsina Ala.
The attacks have heightened fears among residents and prompted security concerns for those serving under the national youth scheme.
Adamu stated that the NYSC Kwande Local Government Inspector had conducted a thorough headcount of all corps members in the area and confirmed that they were safe and accounted for before their relocation.
The security crisis in Benue State has continued to escalate, with communities facing violent incursions allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen.
The NYSC's withdrawal highlights the severity of the situation, as safety concerns grow for both locals and government workers stationed in the region.
Authorities have yet to make a definitive statement on measures being taken to curb the attacks, but local leaders are calling for urgent intervention to restore peace and security.