Herders kill 7 in renewed attacks in 2 Benue LGAs

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

No fewer than 7 persons have been reportedly killed in two (2) local governments of Benue State by suspected armed herders. 

These incidence come on the heels of the killing of 23 persons at the weekend Guma, Kwande and Ukum LGAs. 

Chairman Buruku LGA Raymond Zege Aondoakura confirmed this latest killings to newsmen on phone on Monday in Makurdi.

He intimated that four young men and one little girl were murdered in an attack which occurred in the early hours of Monday with their bodies already deposited in the mortuary.

Also, the chairman of Gwer West local government area,  Victor Ormin Torsar said two (2) persons were killed on Sunday.

Already, he has directed that movement of people into and out of the geographical territory of Gwer West LGA should not exceed 6: 30pm daily. 

This was contained in a statement signed by Timothy Ajieje , Special Assistant Media and Publicity to the Chairman, which was made available to the media, Monday.

According to the Statement, the  directive takes immediate effect, averring that with the Executive directive, people coming into Gwer West LGA and those going out to other places are to do so within the stipulated time of 6:30pm.

The Chairman said the  restriction will be reviewed as the security situation improves. 

In the case of Buruku local government area, the attack occured in Mbakundu Community in Mbaya Council Ward of Buruku of the Local Government area.

The chairman said, “Yes they killed four young men and one little girl, so far five bodies has been discovered and deposited in the mortuary

An eyewitness, Mr. Gbakaan Kumzzy, who spoke to our correspondent via a telephone call, recounted the hàrrowing ordeal, saying that, the attackers stormed the community at exactly 12:00 a.m., shooting indiscriminately. 

Mr. Gbakaan confirmed that five lifeless bodies, including that of a minor, have already been discovered, while the search for more missing persons is still ongoing.

He said, “As we speak, five bodies, including a little child, have been found. We are still searching for others who went missing during the àttàck. 

He also lamented the continued silence and negligence of government authorities in the face of unprovoked kîlliîngs of defenceless Buruku people by armed herdsmen.

“We are calling on the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and the Buruku Council Chairman, Hon. Raymond Zege Aondoakura , to urgently intervene and avert further bloodshed”, Gbakaan pleaded passionately. 

All efforts to confirm the incidence by the Police Public Relations’ Officer CSP Catherine Anene proved abortive as she refused to pick her calls or reply to text message.