Suspected herdsmen kill 24 in renewed Benue attacks

At least 24 persons have been reportedly killed in renewed attacks by suspected herdsmen in various communities in Benue state.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday April 5th, members of the House of Representatives from Benue state, said the attacks occured from April 2nd to April 4th in seven communities.

Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Hon. Dickson Takighir, said:

“These latest attacks have occurred in Ikyon and Agasha on April 3 and April 4; in Semaka, Asom, Babanruwa on April 3 and in Udei and Umenger on April 2. They (the herdsmen) are right now stationed at Nzorov council ward, ready to attack Gbajimba in the Guma Local Government Area. There are others in Nasarawa, ready to attack Udei and Daudu with over 14 people killed in the last four days. Similarly, Sengev, Mbakyondo and Mbapa areas of Gwer-West local government area are currently under siege by armed herdsmen. In Tsegaase, two people have been killed; one person is missing in Zwatema, two killed in Tse Adeke, one killed in Tse Adudu with one missing in Tsekelefu. So far, we have yet to confirm the casualty level in Enger. On April 3, four people were killed in Anyebe and one person at Mbavihi both in Tonbo ward of Logo local government.”he said

Speaking further, Dickson said “We also demand that the government should deploy a proper military operation in Benue State and to also station military units in restive communities in Benue until the herdsmen menace has been dealt with”.

Benue state has witnessed series of attacks from suspected herdsmen. Recall that on January 1st, over 70 persons were killed during a clash between the herdsmen and farmers in the state.