5 feared killed by herdsmen in Benue

From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi

No fewer than five people were killed during an attack by gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen, on a community in Anter Mbalagh Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, on Monday.

Sources from the area disclosed to newsmen that the gunmen suddenly stormed the community in a commando manner, and started shooting sporadically, while the people were working on their farms.Our source, who did not want to be named, claimed that the villagers did not have any issue with the attackers before the incident that could warrant such mindless killings.

“The attack by the suspected herdsmen was unprovoked. They just stormed the community and attacked the people at their farms.”

Another source and a native of Anter Mbalagh community, who also pleaded anonymity, gave the names of those who were killed in the attack as;

Ave Usaar, Temanenge Kyer, Kpungu Orbakpa, Aondoakura Akume and Terkimbir Orbakpa.

While claiming that the remains of three of the deceased victims had been buried, our source said the bodies of two other victims were yet to be found.

Confirming the report, Security Adviser to the Governor, Lt Col. Paul Hemba (retd), however, said he only received a report that two people were killed in the incident.

“I am not aware if the people killed were up to five, but I have pictures of two dead people from the community,” Hemba told newsmen, yesterday, in a telephone chat.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive the report.