Over 15 Killed, many others missing as armed herdsmen attack Benue Community

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani armed militia, on Wednesday night, reportedly invaded the Anyiin town in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing 15 persons and leaving several others with various degrees of injuries while many people still missing.

The Network learnt that the incident which occurred at 6:30 p.m. saw well-armed Fulani herders emerge from various locations and began shooting intermittently at people resulting in many deaths.

It was further gathered that the attackers numbering over 200 were heavily armed with dangerous weapons such as AK47 among other sophisticated guns that raided the town in an operation that lasted about 3 hours.

An eyewitness and community leader in Anyiin town, chief Joseph Anawah, said the armed herders overwhelmed the security operatives stationed in the town because of their large numbers.

He said it was a coordinated operation, stating that the Fulani terrorists took residents of the town unaware, surrounded the town and shot sporadically in the air as people scampered for safety they ran into their well orchestrated ambush.

He listed some of victims to includes; Mr Orihundu Ati a retired Primary School Supervisor and the son of the Kindred Head of Mbawuave, Zaki Mbatern as well as the son of Tordoo Suswam a erstwhile Chief of Staff to a former Logo LGC Chairman and the son of Mr Uyange Chembe younger brother to late District Head of Ukemberagya, Zaki John Chembe.

Chief Anawah added that the invaders had earlier attacked and displaced several people in some communities including Ukemberagya, Tswarev, Mbawar, Gov, Mbainange, and Tombo among others who are currently taking refuge in Anyiin town.

“The Fulani militia terrorists yesterday Wednesday, October 30, 2024 unleashed terror on Anyiin town Logo LGA of Benue state in an operation that started about 6:32 pm, leaving over 15 people dead and some with various degrees of injuries while others are missing.

“It was a coordinated operation, they took residents unaware, surrounded the town and shot sporadically in the air as people scampered for safety and ran into their well orchestrated ambush.

“Anyiin town is the headquarters of Gaambe-Tiev, heavily populated with people of Gaambe-Tiev by the same Fulani herdsmen terrorism activities in the area over the years.

“Suffice to re-echo that the Federal and state governments should collaborate and revisit the abandoned Mobile Police Barracks project near Anyiin along Akwana-Anyiin-Wukari road in order to provide maximum security in the flash point.

“Representatives of the affected communities at state and national levels should also rise to the occasion and beef up security in Gaambe-Tiev communities so that farmers can go to their farms during this harvesting season.

“The people of Gaambe-Tiev are located on the border of Benue and Taraba states. This location has exposed them to incessant attacks by Fulani marauders.

“This is the second attack in one month by the Fulani terrorists. On October 9, 2024 Fulani militia attacked Ayilamo town, the headquarters of Tombo Council Ward and killed scores of people. As I speak, people are deserting Anyiin town for fear of the unknown”, chief Anawah stated.