Again, Fulani herders kill 12 in Benue

NO fewer than 12 people were Police killed in a renewed Fulani attack on Tiv communities of Benue State between Sunday and Monday.

According to sources, the recent attack took place in Kwande community, a few weeks after attack on Buruku community where 20 people were reportedly killed.

The communities attacked in the recent crisis were Ikyoawen in Moon district and Alaba village of Nzaav ward, all in Turan area of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

 Tribune Online gathered that the suspected herders, on Sunday, invaded Ikyoawen in Moor, killed four persons and moved to Nzaav district on Monday, where eight persons were reportedly killed.

According to an eyewitness, “the attack was unprovoked; the herders just invaded our community early Sunday morning, shot sporadically, making people to flee the village.

“I learnt that four persons were killed, it was after the attack on our village that they moved to nearby community, Nzaav, where I learnt that eight other persons were killed.”

The source further said that residents had fled the affected areas and   moved to Jato Aka and Adikpo, headquarters of the council area to take refuge, adding that some other persons were still missing as of the time of filing this report.

Benue State coordinator, Myetiala Cattle Breeders Association of Nigerian, Garus Gololo, who spoke with the Nigerian Tribune, denied the attack, but said some criminals in the council area rustled 300 cows belonging to herdsmen.

Earlier, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bahir Makama, said some criminals in Kwande had been arrested for rustling 150 cows.

A message the police spokesman, Moses Yamu, sent to newsmen confirmed the attack on Kwande community, but added that two persons were killed.

According to him, “we had information that Alaba and Manda Ordue communities in Yaav council ward of Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State were under attack by suspected herdsmen.

“Mobile policemen have been deployed in the area to arrest the situation, as two persons, namely Keemo Anumen (65) and Tanveshima Dabo (45), have so far been confirmed dead.”