NYSC Withdraws Corps Members from Kwande LGA, Following Deadly Herdsmen Attack That Claimed 16 Farmers

By Emmanuel Kwada

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken decisive action by withdrawing all corps members serving in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, following a series of devastating attacks by suspected armed herdsmen. The move comes in the wake of a tragic incident in which 16 farmers were brutally killed, their bodies discovered in River Katsina-Ala, plunging the region into mourning and heightened security concerns.

The decision, announced on February 20, 2025, by Yahuza Adamu, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations for NYSC in Benue, was prompted by the escalating violence in the Mbaa community, which shares a border with the Republic of Cameroon. Adamu’s statement, issued in Makurdi, detailed that the withdrawal was a direct response to the “incessant attacks” on the area, with reports confirming that over 20 people, including the 16 farmers, have lost their lives in recent days. The farmers were ambushed while returning to their community in Mbandwa ward, their bodies dumped in the river, leaving families in tears as they search for closure.

Attacks on Mbaa Community, NYSC withdrew all Corps Members from the area and has not posted any there since

In a reassuring message to parents and guardians, Adamu emphasized NYSC’s unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its corps members. “Since the beginning of these relentless attacks on Mbaa Community, NYSC withdrew all Corps Members from the area and has not posted any there since,” the statement read. He added that the NYSC Kwande LGA Inspector conducted an immediate headcount, confirming that all corps members in the area, including those serving in Jato Acka Turan—far from the affected Mbaa community—are safe and accounted for, facing no immediate security threats.

Adamu further underscored the organization’s proactive stance, stating, “As a matter of policy, NYSC consistently takes proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure that Corps Members receive the necessary protection at all times.” He assured stakeholders that NYSC Benue State remains vigilant and will continue collaborating with security agencies to safeguard its members, urging parents and guardians to rely on official NYSC channels for accurate updates.

The loss of the 16 farmers and fear for the safety of communities across the region, while others commend NYSC’s swift response to protect its members

The withdrawal has sparked widespread concern and discussion, with posts on X reflecting public shock and calls for urgent action to address the security crisis in Benue. Many express heartbreak over the loss of the 16 farmers and fear for the safety of communities across the region, while others commend NYSC’s swift response to protect its members. However, the broader sentiment highlights growing frustration with the recurring violence, with some questioning the adequacy of security measures in Kwande LGA and beyond.

This tragic event follows a pattern of escalating attacks by suspected herdsmen in Benue State, with reports indicating that at least 5,000 lives have been lost to such violence in recent years. The killing of the farmers, coupled with the destruction of properties and displacement of residents, has turned parts of Kwande LGA into an epicenter of crisis, prompting urgent appeals for increased military presence and government intervention.