81 Feared Dead As Armed Fulani Herdsmen Go On Shooting Spree In Benue

Report form Benue state has it that no fewer than five persons were feared dead on Saturday morning in a fresh attack on parts of Chambe and Anawah settlements, at Gaambe-Tiev, in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, by suspected herdsmen.

Sunday Vanguard gathered that the affected communities were invaded at about 9am when most of the locals were already in their farms.

According to a source who claimed to have witnessed the attacks, the armed herdsmen stormed the villages, singing war songs, shooting sporadically and torching houses, huts and food barns in the affected communities.

He said, “like the cases before now, this latest attack was unprovoked, the armed herdsmen stormed the settlements shooting sporadically and singing at the same time.

“People started running for their lives but unfortunately about five persons were gunned down and several persons sustained machete cuts and bullet wounds.

“As if that was not enough, after chasing the people away, they took over and occupied the affected settlements while some houses and huts were also set ablaze as I speak with you.

“That is the situation we have found ourselves in this part of the country; we are completely helpless, our women and children are being tormented almost on a weekly basis. Maybe the herdsmen want us to vacate Benue State for them.

“At the moment most of our people are also moving in their numbers from villages nearest to the attacked communities. Majority of them are fleeing to Anyii, the local government headquarters where most of the wounded are also receiving medical attention.”

Although the traditional ruler of Logo, Chief Jimmy Meeme confirmed that at least 81 people were killed, the Benue state command of the Nigeria Police Force puts the death toll at 22.

It is the latest in a series of deadly attacks in communities in Benue as herdsmen and farmers clash over grazing land.

The Federal government has been roundly criticized for its nonchalant approach to a situation which has left at least 300 people dead this year.

Some residents of the Benue communities also accused security personnel of negligence.

The Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has repeatedly called on the Federal government to intervene in the issue but his calls have gone unheeded.

When contacted the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Assistant Superintendent, ASP, Moses Yamu, said he was yet to get the details of the latest attack.