NYSC flees Benue bloodbath — corps members smuggled into safe churches

The National Youth Service Corps has evacuated corps members from troubled areas in Benue State.

Benue NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Veronica Garba, confirmed this on Thursday in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

She said the affected corps members now live in family houses within Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to her, the corps swiftly acted after hearing reports of the crisis in Yelewata and Daudu.

Garba said the NYSC management contacted the police for quick evacuation of all corps members in those locations.

“We did not waste time. We contacted the Commissioner of Police immediately,” she said.

Police officers moved swiftly to evacuate corps members from the danger zones.

Garba added that the NYSC lodged the corps members at various recognised family houses in Makurdi.

She mentioned the Nigeria Corpers Christian Fellowship among the organisations offering temporary shelter.

The National Association of Catholic Corps Members also provided shelter for the displaced corps members.

Muslim Corpers Association of Nigeria offered additional support and accommodation.

“We treat them as our children,” Garba said.

She said NYSC does not joke with the safety of its members anywhere in Nigeria.

Garba confirmed that all evacuated corps members arrived safely in Makurdi.

She said, “We did our headcount. Nobody was missing.”

NYSC has temporarily settled the corps members until the crisis dies down.

Garba added that the NYSC worked closely with leaders of the various family houses.

She urged parents not to panic over the safety of their children.

“Your children are safe. They are in secure environments,” she said.

Garba also assured parents that security agencies have stepped up actions in Benue State.

She noted that security chiefs have relocated to the state for full intervention.

“I believe the situation will improve with the presence of security leaders,” she said.

Garba further assured Nigerians that God remains the ultimate security.

“God is with your children. He is everywhere,” she said.

President Bola Tinubu visited Makurdi on Wednesday to address the rising insecurity.

He met with stakeholders and ordered security agencies to restore peace immediately.

Tinubu also directed the arrest of attackers responsible for killings in affected communities.

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