Again, three people have reportedly been killed in a renewed attack by suspected armed herdsmen in Yellewata, a border community in Guma Local Council of Benue State.

According to sources, the attack occurred Saturday evening when heavily armed terrorists attacked Yelewatta community.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the assailants arrived at about midnight when residents were fast asleep.

“The invaders started silently by knocking at people’s doors and when you open the door, they kill everyone at sight by slaughtering and shooting.

“So far, dead bodies of a family of three, who were brutally murdered in their room, have been recovered.

“Mr Ulam Udzer (father) Terseer Ulam (son) and a baby of about two years were slaughtered.

“The wife of the deceased was also shot at, but is yet to give up the ghost,” a source said.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, also confirmed the incident yesterday on his X account.
ALSO, gunmen have ambushed and killed five members of the Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps (KCSWC), at Maharba community, in Matazu Local Council.

The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the victims were said to be heading for a reinforcement operation in a Hilux vehicle.

KCSWC is a security outfit established by the current state government to complement the operations of conventional security operatives.

It was learnt that the bandits had stationed themselves on top of mango trees when the security operatives drove into the ambush.

According to sources, about 20 armed bandits laid the ambush and set the vehicle ablaze with the victims.

Governor Dikko Radda, who was informed about the incident, led other government and security operatives to visit the scene immediately.

The governor condemned the attack and promised to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and local stakeholders to address the security situation in the state.

“We are adopting new strategies to better protect our people. The sacrifice of these brave men will not be in vain,” he said.

Radda also met with residents in surrounding communities to assess their security needs for possible state government intervention.

On his part, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu, said security operatives had recently carried out successful operations, especially in the Faskari council area, but admitted persisting challenges.

He, however, called on residents to support government with security-related information, as well as prayers and patience as efforts are ongoing to bring a lasting end to the security challenges bedevilling the state.