Over 15 killed as armed herdsmen attack Benue communities Lifeless bodies of causalities being carried on wheelbarrows
At least 19 people have been brutally killed in a fresh wave of armed herdsmen attacks in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
According to local sources, the violence began on Saturday evening when 16 individuals from Mbandwe Ward were ambushed while returning home.
The attackers murdered them and dumped their bodies in River Katsina-Ala along Kashimbila Road.
The assaults continued on Monday afternoon in Boguwa, Kumakua Council Ward, where three more people were killed. The assailants also set homes and food barns ablaze, leaving the community in turmoil.
He said, “the initial 16 farmers were returning to their community in Mbanduwa Ward when they were ambushed along Kashimbila road and killed. Their bodies were dropped in River Katsina-Ala by the marauders.
“The second attack happened today (Monday) afternoon at Boguwa in Kumakua Council Ward in the same LGA. Three lives were lost in the attack, and homes and food barns were also razed by the armed herdsmen.
“As we speak several persons are missing and the people are fleeing their homes to Jato Aka and other safe places to hide themselves.”
Confirming the development, the President General of Mzough U Tiv, MUT, worldwide, Comptroller of Prison, Iorbee Ihagh (retd) disclosed that all the six Council Wards in Turan had been deserted.
Ihagh who spoke on the phone from Jato Aka, on Monday evening, confirmed that 16 farmers were killed on Saturday and their bodies thrown into River Katsina-Ala.
He said, “I am right now in Jato Acka, I was told that 16 farmers were killed along Kashimbila road at the weekend and their bodies thrown into River Katsina-Ala.
“As I am talking to you now, armed herders have attacked Boaguwa in Kumakua Council Ward, and three dead bodies have been recovered. People have fled their communities and ran to Jato Aka, I doubt if this place (Jato Aka) is safe right now.”
Chief Ihagh who claimed that all the six Council Wards in Turan, Kwande LGA had been overran by the armed herders appealed to President Bola Tinubu to deploy more troops to the LGA to protect the population and the communities.
Contacted, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Joseph Har directed our correspondent to the Director General Internal Security, Israel Gbawuam who could not be reached on the phone.
Also, an effort to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene was unsuccessful.
