Suspected gunmen attack Benue farming village, destroy crops

Suspected gunmen have attacked Atson village along the Daudu–Makurdi expressway in Benue state, causing panic among residents and forcing many farmers to flee their farmlands.

According to a report by Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the attack occurred around 3:18 p.m. on Saturday.

The publication said the gunmen, suspected to be herders, invaded the area with heavy weapons and began destroying crops while chasing farmers off their land.

The attack was said to have led to chaos as locals ran in different directions, some towards Agan toll gate and others along the Gbajimba road.

“The attackers were heavily armed and had begun chasing farmers from their farmlands when security surveillance teams patrolling the area intervened,” the publication said.

“On sighting the troops, the armed herdsmen reportedly fled into the bush.

“Calm has since been restored to the affected area, and a joint patrol by security operatives is ongoing to ensure the safety of lives and property and to prevent a recurrence.”