Two persons have been killed following an attack by suspected terrorists on commuters travelling on motorcycles along the Okoloke–Egbe Road in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

This is contained in post on X by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

Zagazola stated that the incident occurred at about 9:25 am on June 23 as the victims were heading to the Egbe Market.

He that said troops of the 12 Brigade, deployed at Okoloke and Okunran, swiftly responded to reports of the attack.

According to him, two commuters were killed in the assault, while several others escaped from the scene.

“The troops evacuated the bodies of the deceased and intensified patrols across the general area to prevent further attacks and deny the perpetrators freedom of action.

“Security agencies have continued efforts to track down those responsible for the attack,” the security expert noted.

Residents of Tse Orhungul, a settlement located near Yogbo in the Mbayer/Yandev Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, have been thrown into fear following an attack allegedly carried out by armed herders, resulting in the death of one person and serious injuries to another.

The violent incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday evening after a disagreement linked to cattle grazing on a maize farm close to the community.

Sources within the area disclosed that some youths discovered cattle feeding on crops and seized one of the animals. The cow was subsequently taken to a security post in Yogbo.

Community members explained that the move was aimed at compelling the cattle owners to come forward and discuss compensation for the destruction caused to the farmland.

While the youths were still at the security post, the suspected herders allegedly entered the village and came across two brothers, identified as Verse and Terkimbir, who were working on their farm behind the settlement.

Witnesses said the attackers assaulted the brothers with machetes and swords, leaving them with severe injuries before escaping.

A resident familiar with the incident revealed that Verse suffered critical machete cuts and was rushed to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

“The information that reached us this afternoon is that he did not survive the injuries,” the source said.

His younger brother, Terkimbir, also sustained multiple wounds during the attack and was taken to hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is reported to be in stable condition.

Residents noted that the family had previously suffered a similar tragedy. 

They recalled that the victims’ younger sister was allegedly attacked in March and has remained under medical care since then.

The latest incident has further heightened anxiety among locals, many of whom have repeatedly expressed concern over recurring attacks and violent clashes involving suspected armed herders in the area.

Attempts to get an official reaction from the police were unsuccessful.

As of the time this report was filed, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to inquiries regarding the attack.

The safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to Maiduguri, Borno State, has commenced in Yobe State, with authorities focusing on protecting women and children, who make up the majority of those moving back home.

The relocation is being coordinated by the Security Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni, Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), with support from the Director of Search and Rescue at SEMA and security agencies.

As of Tuesday morning, IDPs from the Water Board facility and the Roundabout axis along Maiduguri Road began their journey from Damaturu, following earlier expressions of readiness to return.

The Yobe State Government provided free transportation and full security escorts to facilitate the movement.

According to officials coordinating the exercise, 1,295 individuals have so far been safely transported to Maiduguri.

The bulk of those returning are women and children under the age of 14, highlighting the vulnerability of the displaced population.

It was observed that security personnel deployed along the route maintained order and boosted confidence among the returnees.

“Profiling of the remaining IDPs is ongoing.

“In Kasaisa village, 93 households comprising 547 individuals have been registered,” an official said.

Some IDPs in Kasaisa, during interactions, said: “We are excited to return to our ancestral homes in Borno State.”

The provision of free transport and security has eased the burden on displaced families and brought relief as the state government pushes to reintegrate them safely.