People suspected to be armed herders have lunched separate attacks on two Benue communities on Tuesday, resulting to the killing of seven people including a commander of the state community guard.
Sunday Standard learnt that the two communities were Tse Fela in Mbabuande and Tse Akyegh in Ikaaghev Council Ward, all of Gwer West Local Government Area of the state at about 3pm.
Our correspondent further gathered that the attack occurred barely two days after some armed herders invaded Tse-Lgar, Tse Magu and Tse Dudu in Guma Local Government Area where 13 people were killed.
It was learnt that the herders who invaded Tse Fela and Tse Akyegh not only killed the seven people but also destroyed food banks.
A native who identified himself as Clement told a journalist: “Members of the two communities had noticed movement of strange people around the area and raised an alarm which made some people to escape.
“Unfortunately, some people were trapped by the killers, and they were killed.”
Also confirming the attacks, District Head of Ikaaghev, Chief Adi-Bata said the alarm raised by members of the community reduced the casualty figures.
He stated: “If not for the alarm raised by members of the community, the number of casualties would have been very high.”
The royal father however called on security agencies to establish a police post in the area to improve security.
Gwer West Local Government Council Chairman, Mr. Andrew Ayande also confirmed the killings and disclosed that the terrorists, herders also blocked the Makurdi Naka Ankpa highway where several attacks on motorists were carried out.
He appealed to security agencies to ensure constant patrol on the highway to ensure free movement on the road.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene said she was not aware of the incident.
