Atson village, located along the Daudu-Makurdi expressway in Benue State, was thrown into chaos on Saturday when suspected gunmen launched an attack, causing residents to flee and driving farmers off their lands.
Gatekeepers News reports that Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, revealed that the attack occurred around 3: 18 p.m. on Saturday.
Makama 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 publication stated, “The attackers were heavily armed and had begun chasing farmers from their farmlands when security surveillance teams patrolling the area intervened.”
“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.”
