In spite of sustained denial by security agencies, especially the Delta State Police Command, that no fewer than eight persons were killed by Fulani herdsmen in the Uwheru Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State last week, six more corpses of the victims had been exhumed from shallow graves.
Although the reaction of the Police Command is still being expected as regards the recent development, this brings the total number of bodies recovered so far to nine in two days.
Tribune Online had reported on Monday that three corpses were recovered on Sunday from various scenes of the Thursday and Friday attacks.
The recovery was prompted by the demand by security agencies for the bodies of the victims as proof that killings, masterminded by Fulani herdsmen, actually took place in the communities.
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Reports say the six additional bodies were discovered in a shallow grave by a team of security agents and members of the community during the further combing of the area.
The corpses were brought to the Police Area Command Ughelli in three Diana Open Pick-Ups at about 7:30 p.m on Monday for records before they were conveyed to the Ughelli Central Hospital’s morgue for autopsy.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, an indigene of the area, reportedly confirmed the development to journalists on Monday night.
He was quoted as saying: “Six corpses exhumed today under the supervision of soldiers and policemen.
“The six bodies are now being deposited at the mortuary at Ughelli.
“Total number so far is nine while the tenth is battling for his life in the hospital. Two more bodies are yet to be found. The search continues today,” he disclosed.