NYSC Evacuates Corps Members from Benue Community After Deadly Herders Attack

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has evacuated its corps members from Jato Aka Turan, a volatile community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, following a devastating attack by armed herders that claimed at least 20 lives. The violence, which raged from Sunday to Tuesday, February 16-18, 2025, has reignited concerns about the safety of corps members deployed to Nigeria’s conflict zones, prompting swift action from the NYSC leadership.

The attack, described as relentless by eyewitnesses, saw armed herders overrun the community, leaving death and destruction in their wake. Despite the presence of a nearby Nigerian Army base, the assailants operated with impunity, heightening fears among locals and corps members alike. “We saw them coming on motorcycles, fully armed, in broad daylight,” a fleeing corps member recounted to local sources, echoing the desperation that preceded their withdrawal. The Local Government Inspector (LGI) had reportedly instructed them to escape to the neighboring Adikpo community if the situation worsened—a grim contingency plan that underscored the severity of the crisis.

In response, the NYSC, adhering to its commitment to corps members’ safety, ordered an immediate pullout. The decision mirrors past evacuations from insecurity hotspots, reflecting a pragmatic approach to a persistent challenge. “The NYSC has always prioritized the welfare of its corps members,” said Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, NYSC Director-General, in a 2024 address on security protocols. “We will not hesitate to redeploy or withdraw them when their lives are at risk.” While no official statement has been issued on this specific incident as of February 20, 2025, the withdrawal aligns with this policy.

The violence in Jato Aka Turan is the latest chapter in Benue State’s long-standing herder-farmer conflict, a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless others. Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a January 2025 briefing, lamented the toll on his state: “Benue bleeds while the nation watches. We need decisive action, not promises.” His words resonate now as the community mourns its losses and the absence of corps members, who often serve as teachers and development catalysts.

Notable voices have weighed in on the broader implications. Security analyst Dr. Chidi Odinkalu, a former National Human Rights Commission chair, criticized the systemic failures enabling such attacks. “The state’s inability to secure its citizens—let alone corps members—exposes a deeper governance crisis,” he told reporters on February 19, 2025. “Deploying youth to volatile zones without assured protection is reckless.” Similarly, youth advocate Aisha Yesufu called for reform: “The NYSC must rethink its postings. These young Nigerians deserve better than being sacrificial lambs.”

What’s Next?

With corps members now out of Jato Aka Turan, several paths lie ahead:

Redeployment Options

The NYSC could reassign the affected corps members to safer communities within Benue or move them to other states entirely. Past precedents, like the 2023 redeployments from banditry-ravaged Zamfara, suggest flexibility in such crises.

Enhanced Security Measures

Pressure is mounting on the federal government and security agencies to bolster protection in Benue. Deploying additional troops or establishing mobile police units near NYSC postings could deter future attacks, though logistical and funding challenges remain.

Policy Review

This incident may spark a broader reevaluation of NYSC deployment policies. Advocacy groups are already pushing for a “security-first” mapping of service locations, potentially reducing postings to high-risk areas.

Community Support

For Jato Aka Turan, the loss of corps members compounds an already dire situation. Humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts could be prioritized to stabilize the area, though long-term peace requires addressing the herder-farmer rift.

As Nigeria grapples with these questions, the withdrawal serves as both a lifeline for corps members and a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing its Middle Belt. For now, the nation watches Benue, hoping for solutions that protect both its youth and its vulnerable communities. The clock is ticking—on February 20, 2025, the need for action has never been clearer.

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