One resident described the situation, saying, “People were running during the attack by Fulani herdsmen.” Another confirmed the ongoing pattern of attacks, citing the sighting of strangers in the community just before the invasion.
According to reports, the attacks have been preceded by the presence of unfamiliar faces, who are believed to be gathering intelligence for the herdsmen. Local guards, who have been on high alert, questioned suspicious individuals before the most recent attack. Some of these strangers were arrested after providing unsatisfactory answers about their presence and handed over to the police.
The involvement of the police, however, sparked anger among local youths, who demanded the suspects be dealt with locally. This led to a confrontation between the youths and the police, with the Nigerian Army intervening and shots being fired to restore order. The resulting chaos sent people fleeing for their safety.
While the Benue State Police Command confirmed that an attack took place, they denied any suspects were handed over to the police. SP Anene Sewuese of the command assured that police officers had been deployed to the area in response to the violence but acknowledged the heightened tension due to the uncertainty of further attacks.
As of now, many residents remain displaced, urging the government and security forces to take swift action to prevent Jato Aka from becoming another community overtaken by armed herdsmen.
