The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has withdrawn all corps members from Mbaa community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State following a series of violent attacks by suspected armed herders.
The attacks have reportedly claimed the lives of over 20 people, including 16 farmers whose bodies were found in River Katsina-Ala.
In a statement released on Thursday, February 20, Yahuza Adamu, the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations for NYSC in Benue, confirmed the withdrawal, citing the community’s worsening security situation.
“Since the beginning of incessant attacks on Mbaa Community, which shares a boundary with the Republic of Cameroon, NYSC withdrew all Corps Members from the area and has not posted any there till date,” Adamu stated.
To reassure parents and guardians, Adamu revealed that the NYSC Kwande Local Government Inspector had conducted a thorough headcount of corps members in the area and confirmed that all were safe and accounted for.
He clarified that corps members serving in Jato Acka Turan, a location far from the affected community, were not exposed to any security threat.
Emphasizing the organization’s commitment to corps members’ safety, Adamu stated, “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.”
NYSC reassured parents and guardians that it remains vigilant and is actively working with security agencies to safeguard its members.
They urged the public to rely on official NYSC communication channels for accurate updates on the situation.
