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From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
Over 100 persons have been reportedly murdered in cold blood by some local bandits and terrorists herdsmen in Ayati, Ukum Local Government Area LGA of Benue state.
As at the time of writing this report, a Community member said 50 corpses have been recovered so far.
Our correspondent gathered that the attack was carried out by one of the local bandits assisted by herdsmen militia.
A resident of Ukum LG, who didn’t want to be named for fear of being attacked, told newsmen in Makurdi, that the incident occured Thursday night.
He said trouble started when some bandits were said to have received money from some herders to graze their animals in two council ward of Ukum. It was stated that as they were grazing, they came in conflict with farmers who complained to government and when security agencies who went and chased the herders away, they became angry as they claimed to have given money for the land so they went back to the bandits.
It was said that after going to complain to the bandit, the herders joined hands with the bandits to attack the village and massacre people.
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“We were told that some bandits received money from Fulani people, saying they sold land to them for the purpose of grazing and showed them land belonging to the people, land of about two council wards.
“And as they commenced grazing they were also killing people and there arose a conflict between the herdsmen and the farmers who ran to the government. And Government despatched the state security outfit who came and chased the Fulani people away and burnt their tents (ruga) and the herdsmen became angry.
“They said those people (bandits) claimed they have sold land to them and they went and met the bandits. So the herdsmen and bandits went to the village and carried out a massacre.
“As I’m speaking over 50 corpses have been recovered and they are still searching and to make matters worse, after burning and scattering their tents, the state security outfit went away; instead of sleeping to guard the village, they withdrew and abandoned the villagers.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benue state Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack.
The PPRO in a message said “I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for briefing from officers on ground please.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Information, Hon Mathew Aboh, who hails from Ukum LGA confirmed the attack saying he was earlier called that 30 corpses has been recovered at hw early hours of Friday.
