Again, armed herders kill seven people in Benue attack

No fewer than seven people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders at Channel One community, a border settlement in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The community, according to a resident, is located along the Arufu–Wukari road in Taraba State.

The killing came barely 24 hours after three mourners were killed and two others were kidnapped while returning from a burial ceremony at Sati Ikov in Ushongo Local Government Area of the state.

A native who identified himself as Amos told journalists in a telephone interview on Monday that the incident occurred on Sunday night.

Amos said the suspected herders invaded the community at about 11 pm on Sunday, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee for safety.

Also corroborating the account, a community leader in the area, Joseph Anawah, said that six people were killed.

The community leader listed the deceased as Akor Gwakyaa, Msooter Gwakyaa, Aondoungwa Michael, Vershima Michael, Terna Michael, and Msughter Terzungwe.

He added that some people whose names were not immediately available sustained life-threatening injuries and were hospitalised in different medical facilities in Anyiin town.

According to him, those in critical condition, numbering about seven, have been taken to Ugba town in Logo LGA for medical treatment.

“The attackers came in large numbers, armed with firearms and riding motorcycles. It is alleged that the attackers are those camped at Shaor, one of the deserted villages previously identified in intelligence reports as a marauders’ camp in Logo LGA,” Anawah said.

He added that residents of the affected and neighbouring communities have fled to other villages for fear of further attacks.

He appealed to both state and federal governments to intensify coordinated border clearance operations to dislodge suspected marauders camped at Shaor and other deserted villages identified in previous intelligence reports.

The Chairman of Logo LGA, Clement Kav, who confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday, said seven people were killed by armed herders during the Sunday night attack.

“They killed seven persons and injured four others. They came, attacked and then fled back to where they came from,” he said.

He also stated that he had briefed the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, and the Special Adviser on Homeland Security on the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive the report and promised to revert to our correspondent once it was available, but had not done so at the time of filing this report.