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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Villagers in Arufu, Chembe and Mchia communities of Logo Local Government, Benue State have fled their homes after gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen invaded the communities and killed seven people last Sunday.
Our correspondent gathered that the gunmen launched attack twice in the council area, first on a commercial vehicle between Arufu and Chembe villages where they shot at passengers.
It was also gathered that the attackers later invaded Mchia community in the night and killed seven people
According to sources from the area, several persons have been reported missing after the invasion and have not yet been found as at the time of filing this report.
A community leader, Mr Joseph Anawah, who confirmed the first attack told newsmen on phone that it was launched on a commercial vehicle between Arufu and Chembe villages.
Anawah said, “armed Fulani herders in collaboration with Jukun militias on Sunday shot at commercial vehicle heading to Iorza where some passengers suffered injury. They also invaded Mchia where they slaughtered seven people.”
Chairman of the local government, Rev Adagbe Jonathan, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday said that seven people were killed while several others were still missing.
He said, “It’s true that armed herders in collaboration with Jukun militias attacked my people on Sunday at about 9pm
“With the help of policemen, we were able to recover five corpses that Sunday night while two corpses were recovered Monday morning. They also shot at a commercial vehicle where two people were injured.
“As I’m talking to you now, the two people who sustained injuries have been taken to the hospital at Anyiin but many people are still missing.”
Jonathan who said he was in Makurdi on Monday to report the incident to the security adviser, Chief Joseph Har confirmed that the attackers were armed herders hired by Jukun militias.
Benue state Police Public Relations Officer, Benue state Police SP Catherine Anene ,could not be reached for comments as she did not pick her calls.
