Suspected herders kill 43 in fresh Benue attacks

Suspected armed herders on Sunday invaded two communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State killing no fewer than 43 people.

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The attack came barely a week after some communities in Gwer West LGA were attacked.

A mobile police officer and 41 people were killed.

In the Sunday attacks, the suspected armed herders stormed Tse Antswam, a suburb of Naka town around 7pm and shot indiscriminately leading to loss of lives.

A local source in Apa LGA who simply identified himself as Tony said that the suspected armed herders invaded Edikwu Ankpali community around the same time they attacked Gwer West community.

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Speaking on Monday, Tony said, “over 25 persons at Edikwu Ankpali, in Apa LGA were killed yesterday (Sunday) and the corpses will soon be buried.”

Confirming the attack in Gwer West, the Ter Nagi, Daniel Abomtse, said that the attackers came in a guerrilla style and attacked Tse Antswam.

“As I am talking to you now, (Monday) morning, 18 corpses have been recovered and many people sustained varied degree of injuries.

“In fact, the way some people were butchered, I doubt if they will survive. Search is still on because many ran into the bush with gun wounds and some also entered the well to escape the herdsmen,” the monarch said.

The traditional ruler said that the village attacked was opposite a military check point along Naka-Makurdi Eoad.

Also confirming the attack, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormini, who expressed deep sadness said, “It is exactly a week today that I spoke with you about the killing of over 40 people including a MOPOL officer at Aondona and other communities by herdsmen.

“Instead of abating, it’s getting worse, the same people attacked, this time, it’s Naka town. As of now, over 14 corpses have been recovered.”

Meanwhile, the chairman of Apa LGA, Adams Ocheiga who also confirmed the attack said he was just heading to the community for on the spot assessment and promised to get back when he returns.

When contacted, the state police command’s spokesperson, DSP. Udeme Edet, who confirmed the attack on the two LGAs did not give casualty figure but promised to get back.

She said, “This is to confirm that there was an attack yesterday at Naka and Apa, and to let you know that tactical teams have been deployed and already on ground and are on top of the situation

“I will get back to you after getting further and accurate information please.”