From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Armed herdsmen militia have, again, killed 28 persons, including six security operatives of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, in a fresh attack on three communities in Gwer West Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue State.
The attacks is coming just after one week that 17 victims of herdsmen attacks were give a mass burial at Mbaikyor Mbalom Gwer East LGA of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that the six personnel were ambushed and killed when they accompanied a bereaved family to bury their loved one.
Locals from the affected communities told newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday that the attacks started at about 11pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024 and continued till Monday, April 15, 2024.
A local, who didn’t want to be named for fear of attacks, said six security operatives who accompanied a family of a deceased for burial were killed on Saturday at Mbabwande, 14 people killed on Sunday at Gyaluwa while six others were murdered along Naka/Adoka road on Monday.
Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr Henry Agba, confirmed the incident to newsmen saying several other persons injured.
According to him, “The attack started on Saturday, six security operatives of the state, comprising Benue Security Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards were killed.
“They (operatives) escorted a family of a deceased to a village called Mbabwande where they had gone to bury their love one and they ambushed them and killed them.
“On Sunday at about 11pm they attacked a community in Gyaluwa and 14 people were killed.
“Also on Monday, they attacked a community along Naka/Adoka road where the villagers have so far recovered six dead bodies. Many people were wounded and receiving treatment at some clinics within the LGA.”
The chairman further stated that the incidents was reported to the Police and State Security Adviser, who he said visited one of the scenes of incident on Monday to see things for themselves.
While also confirming the attacks, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on External Affairs, retired Col. Alexander Ashungu said 16 people were killed at Gyaluwa.
According to him, the armed herders used machete to attack the villagers. “This way, they could attack the people silently and disappeared back into the bush without shooting guns.”
He said when they went for an on the spot assessment of the area, the whole communities were deserted leaving only animals; goats, chickens and duck.
“It is quite unfortunate that the members of the communities no longer take proactive measures concerning their personal security. We have discovered that some of the farmers even go to their farms without a cutlass and machete.”
He however stated the Government is on top of the situation and is doing all that is necessary to secure the land and the people.
He advised the people to always contact the numbers of the security agencies that were given to them for prompt intervention from the authorities.
He commended the military for their clearance operations in Kwande LGA and other parts of the state which has reduced the attacks drastically in those areas.
He also urged the people to provide intelligence to security agencies to enable them nip the manace in the bud.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack but said a detailed information would be provided when the Police Commissioner arrives from the assessment tour of the areas.