At least two Nigerian Army officers and seven civilians lost their lives in a fresh attack by suspected herdsmen on the Jato-Aka community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday evening.  

A local source confirmed the tragic incident in a phone call with SaharaReporters, stating, “Another attack happened this evening (Wednesday). People are fleeing in large numbers. Jato-Aka is in distress. Two army officers and seven civilians have been confirmed dead."  

The attack has triggered widespread panic, forcing residents to abandon their homes in search of safety. According to the source, this assault is just one in a series of attacks that have plagued the region.  

When contacted, Benue State Police spokesperson Catherine Anene acknowledged the security challenges in the area but was unable to immediately verify the reported casualties.  

“There is indeed a security issue in the community, but I have not yet received confirmation of the reported deaths. The military is in a better position to verify the situation concerning their personnel,” Anene told newsmen on Thursday morning.  

She clarified that the violence was confined to the Jato-Aka community and its surroundings rather than affecting the entire local government area.  

“The crisis is localized to Jato-Aka, which shares borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Benue. While border issues may play a role, they are not the sole cause of the conflict,” she added.  

This latest wave of violence follows previous attacks that have left a trail of destruction in the region.  

A local resident previously reported that suspected herdsmen had launched attacks on Jato-Aka and neighboring communities for four consecutive days, leaving at least 20 people dead and numerous properties destroyed.  

“They have killed innocent people in Jato-Aka and rendered many homeless," the resident told newsmen on Wednesday.  

The attackers, who struck on Tuesday evening, killed one person and set multiple homes and farmlands ablaze.  

"They attacked again yesterday evening, killing one person and burning down several houses and farm produce. Most houses here are thatched, making them easy targets. Nearly all of them have been burned down,” the resident recounted.  

With fear gripping the community, many families are evacuating to safer areas.  

"People are leaving to avoid being killed. I have advised my brothers to move the elderly and children to neighboring towns in case of further attacks," another resident said.  

Reports indicate that the armed assailants have taken control of strategic locations, making it nearly impossible for displaced residents to return.  

"They have occupied a village across the river, which is within walking distance from our community. They have taken over farmlands, and with people fleeing, farming is now out of the question," the resident lamented.