-
Five bodies recovered – Police
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Over 30 people have been reportedly killed by invading terrorists in separate attacks on communities in two Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State.
Our correspondent gathered that terrorist herdsmen invaded communities in Logo LGA on Saturday and Sunday, killing 20 people and injuring over 30 others, while 10 persons have been killed in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
As of the time of filing this report on Monday morning, locals said the killings were still ongoing.
Speaking to newsmen, a community leader from Logo LGA, Chief Joseph Anawa, said herdsmen terrorists attacked Azege settlement in Tombo Council Ward on Sunday, 24th November 2024, at about 7 am.
Anawa, who disclosed that the terrorists numbered over 300 well-armed men, said they are suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, probably hired from neighbouring countries, “because their appearance was slightly different from the herders we have around.”
“This invasion was carried out in the morning hours, and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals. The security operatives on the ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying.
“It was not until the arrival of a military jet that they were subdued and forced to retreat. As we speak, over 20 corpses have been discovered, while the search for more missing persons is ongoing.”
The Chairman of Logo LGA, Mr Clement Kav, confirmed the killings to newsmen on the phone on Monday morning.
Kav said, “It is true that some herdsmen came all the way from Nasarawa State and attacked my people. They attacked the Tombo Council Ward, killed 17 persons, and injured 37.”
According to him, the herdsmen are claiming ownership of the land, saying that the Tombo land belongs to them.
He, however, stated that the Governor had mobilised more security to the area and that peace had been restored.
The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Mr Justine Shaku, also confirmed the Monday attack in his area.
Shaku, who lamented several attacks in the area, said, “Yes, another incident of an attack by herder marauders was reported to have taken place this morning, the 25th day of November 2024, at about 8:00 am.
“Information is that many of them, heavily armed, stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, Shitile in Katsina-Ala LGA. From reports, they killed many people, the number yet unknown, destroyed valuable properties, looted a lot of household items, and left uninterrupted.
“Benue State is under severe security threat from herder armed bandits. The level of destruction and the number of people killed will be forwarded to you in due course, please,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the Logo attack and said five corpses had been recovered.