From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia have attacked Ayilamo and Mbachohon communities in Logo and Gwer-West Local Government Areas of Benue state, killing five persons and injuring many others.
A source from the communities, who didn’t want to be named, told newsmen on the phone, that the armed herdsmen attacked Ayilamo and Mahanga (Mobile Barracks) settlements in Logo LGA at about 10:08 pm Tuesday night killing scores and leaving some with degrees of bullet wounds.
As of the time of this report on Wednesday, the source said the bodies of five victims, including, Ayev Jôgunô from Mbavihi—Mbazar village, Faiga Mwuese Apefan, Mbazar village, Msendoo Tertese Vaachia from Mbagum, James Iorliam from Tse-Ihyôôn—Iwendyer and Orgbee Mnguerorga from Tse-Nyajo—Mbaiwem, had been recovered.
He also disclosed that those injured were Mrs Mngohol Utile from Mbaidyo, Mr Vershima Usange Meeme from Saghev—Nongov and Mrs Terpase Nyerga of Tse-Ihyôôn—Iwendyer.
The source said “The herdsmen came at about 10 pm on Tuesday night. They attacked and killed two persons at the Mobile barracks, situated at Mahanga, near Ayilamo.
“From there, they headed to Ayilamo town and on entering the town, the herdsmen shot and killed three other persons on the spot.
“Many others sustained various degrees of injury and were taken to the hospital where they are receiving treatment.
“Some of the cases were so serious that today (Wednesday) they were referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.
Our correspondent also gathered that herdsmen attacked an IDP camp in Nagi, Mbachohon Council Ward in Gwer West LGA same Tuesday.
As at Wednesday afternoon, sources in the area said four persons including Joe Igba, Nyali Akula, Tarvihi Donald and Tyozenda Orkoh were still missing.
Reacting to the killings, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the “unprovoked” attacks on Ayilamo and Mbachohon communities in Logo and Gwer-West Local Government Areas by suspected armed herders.
Governor Alia, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, frowned at the nefarious activities of the herders who maim and kill innocent Benue citizens in cold blood for reasons which are difficult to grasp and pin down.
He said Benue is an agrarian society whose economy is largely based on producing and maintaining crops and farmlands, and “we cannot watch our people killed daily on their farmlands and their villages for a cause very unknown to us”.
The Governor who lamented cases of alleged herdsmen attacks on Benue communities leading to loss of lives and property said he will not rest until such barbaric acts are curtailed.
Recall that last night, there were twin attacks in the state. While one happened at Ayilamo, one took place at Mbalam, Mbachohon Council ward of Gwer-West by persons also suspected to be armed cattle herders.
While sympathizing with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attacks, Governor Alia called on security agencies in the state to quickly delve into the depths of the unfortunate situations and apprehend those suspected to be behind such attacks and bring them before the law.
He called on traditional rulers and youths in the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious move to the security agencies.