Benue records more herdsmen attacks, over 33 killed

As the activities of suspected deadly herdsmen continue to increase in different parts of North Central Nigeria, particularly, Benue and Plateau states, latest reports this Monday morning indicate that at least thirty- three people have again been gruesomely killed by these heartless invaders in Benue State.

According to reports, Tse-Antswam in Naka town, the headquarters of Gwer West LGA came under attack on Sunday night by suspected herdsmen, leaving 17 people dead while at least 16 persons were killed in another attack in Edikwu and Ankpali communities from the neighboring Apa LGA.

Reports further state that many residents are still missing as the affected communities began headcounts this Monday morning.

A community leader, Patrick Modoom, confirmed the casualty figures to Channels Television via telephone. “Seventeen corpses have so far been recovered at Tse-Antswam, a community by the LGEA primary school Naka, close to the Federal Government Dam project,” he said.

Modoom added that “many people are still missing as headcount is being carried out, with many others displaced into the primary school where police personnel from the town and vigilantes are providing security”.

According to Mr Patrick Modoom, an indigene of Naka in Gwer West LGA, “This attack happened not too far from the military checkpoint from Naka town but not a single response from the military when we raised alarm about the attack, leaving our people vulnerable while the attack lasted.”

Mr Modoom regretted that Naka town, the only political ward out of the 15 political council wards that has not been attacked by the dare-devil herdsmen has finally been affected by herdsmen attacks.

Speaking on the incidents that occurred in Edikwu andAnkpali communities in Apa LGA, the lawmaker representing the Apa State Constituency at the Benue State House of Assembly, Abu Umoru, confirmed the killing of 16 persons with many are still missing”.

Recall, 14 female traders who were returning from a Market in Enugu State, on Saturday were kidnapped along Owukpa road in a Benue Link bus with their whereabouts unknown.