Suspected herdsmen on Monday killed three farmers and critically injured three others in Yelwata, Benue State.
The early morning attack sparked a protest by women in the community, who accused soldiers of failing to respond on time and demanded their withdrawal.
According to former government official Matthew Mnyam, efforts to persuade the women to vacate the Benue–Nasarawa highway failed.
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They insisted security forces had neglected their duty to protect them. Police and local youths eventually mobilised to repel the attackers.
Guma LGA chairman Maurice Orwough confirmed the incident and appealed for calm.
Yelwata has been repeatedly targeted by armed herdsmen; in June, over 3,000 residents were displaced and dozens killed in a night raid that drew national outrage and condemnation.