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From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Not fewer than 18 people, including two police officers, were reportedly killed and 12 others badly injured by suspected herdsmen at Gbeji, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Kertyo Tyounbur, said the herders attacked the villagers between 4am and 5am yesterday.
He said they also attacked the police station in the area and shot the two officers who were on duty.
He said they had already recovered 12 dead bodies, while several others had gone missing.
The chairman said: “The attack was clearly unprovoked. As of now, the bodies already deposited in the mortuary are 12, and those receiving treatment for machete wounds in a public hospital at Afia are 12.
“We are still searching the bushes for more dead bodies and survivors. I went to the scene to ascertain the level of damage and those killed and I couldn’t, because it was discovered that the attackers, the Fulani militia, were still around in the bushes. So, security advised me to move aside with the people who were with me as it was not safe.
“The attack took place at Gbeji. The first point of attack was a Catholic Church on that road. They came at about 3am. Several women received machete cuts from the attackers.
“They must have come from Tseke, a border community with Nasarawa and Taraba states.
“In fact, we had that they had their meeting in Kente, another border community in Taraba State yesterday and, then, today (Wednesday), they attacked our communities.
“Among the dead were two policemen who were on duty at the Police Station in Gbeji, where the attack occurred. They attacked the police station and the policemen who were on duty were shot dead,” he said.
The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security, Lt. Col. Paul Hembah (retd), who also confirmed the killings, said he received a report from security agencies of an attack on Gbeji community in Ukum LGA.
Hembah disclosed that at the time he spoke with the local government chairman, eight people had been murdered, while 11 others were seriously injured.
He said security operatives were still combing the bushes for dead bodies, as many people were still missing.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, who confirmed the attack, said they were yet to get details.
