Scores killed as herdsmen attack villagers in Benue again

Tragedy struck again in villages located at Guma and ‘Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue State when rampaging herdsmen attacked and killed scores of victims.

According to reports, the attack which started on Tuesday night lasted till Wednesday morning with 28 people said to have been killed in Guma from where Governor Samuel Ortom hails from.

Another eight victims were reported to have been killed in ‘Gwer West Local Government, while 15 others were reportedly hacked by the herdsmen in Tomanyiin-Mbakpaase community in Saghev ward of Guma LG.

An eyewitness who pleaded not to be named said the heavily armed assailants who numbered up to 50 attacked helpless villagers and set houses on fire.

“The herdsmen came yesterday (Tuesday) evening and set our houses on fire. Many of us slept in the bush even the attackers still returned to the village and burnt down the whole village. We were able to recover eight corpses this afternoon.”

Read also: SEX-FOR-MARK SCANDAL: OAU queries alleged randy lecturer

The attack was confirmed by Mr. Anthony Shawn, the chairman of Guma LGA, who couldn’t quite ascertain the number of those who lost their lives.

He said; “I came to Makurdi just now to arrange for doctors that would go with me to the place we kept the injured victims to ascertain their state of health.

“As l speak with you, I am also on my way to Daudu with a team of doctors who will treat the victims and administer medications to the displaced persons. It is when am done with this, that l can properly brief the press.Thanks,” Shawn explained.

However, Fatai Owoseni, the state Commissioner of Police said he could not confirm the attack as he was yet to be briefed on the matter.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now