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From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Not sweet than 18 persons, including two police officers, have been reportedly killed and 12 others badly injured by suspected herdsmen at Gbeji, Ukum local government area of Benue State.
According to the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Kertyo Tyounbur, the herders attacked the villagers between 4am and 5am on Wednesday. He said they also attacked the police station in the area and shot the two police officers who were on duty.
He said they have already recovered 12 dead bodies while several others have gone missing.
The chairman said, “The attack was clearly unprovoked. As of now, the corpses that have been deposited in the mortuary are 12 and those that were brutally macheted and receiving treatment in a public hospital at Afia are 12.
“We are still searching the bushes for more corpses and survivors. I went to the scene to ascertain the level of damage and those killed, 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 that were with me as it was not safe.
“The attack took place at Gbeji, just between and Anyiin. The first point of attack was a Catholic Church on that road. They came about 3am. Several women were macheted by 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 police men who were on duty at the Police Station in Gbeji where the attack occurred. They attacked the Police Station and the police men who were on duty were shot dead,” he said.
The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security, Lt. Col. Paul Hembah, rtd, who also confirmed the killings said he received report from security agencies of an attack on Gbeji community in Ukum LGA.
Hembah disclosed that at the time he spoke with the LG chairman, earlier on Wednesday, eight persons were said to have been murdered while 12 others were seriously injured.
He said security operatives were still combing the bushes for corpses as many people are still missing.
Hembah however gave an update saying 18 persons have been killed and their bodies deposited at the mortuary. He gave their names as Mtem Torpav, Eje Abraham a Policeman, Zege, Afam Abama, Akor Jem, John Nor, Torlumun Orabende, Orpandega Terseer, Bem Nyichia.
Others include Atseva Ortwer, Mrs. Torsar, Nyave Tyoulugh, Kpaver Tion, Ugba Joseph, Mbakumbur Peter, Moses Pav, Apeseza Baba and Unduun
When contacted Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene who confirmed the attack saying they are yet to get details.
Anene in a message said “I received a report of an attack at Gbeji, Ukum LGA where one policeman lost his life but I have not received details of the report.
“More police teams in collaboration with other security agencies have been deployed to the area. Details will get to you as soon as it gets to me.”
