•Armed Fulani herdsmen
Close to 20 persons have been reportedly killed in a bloody attack on Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.
A source in the area disclosed that the attackers stormed the communities early yesterday morning and continued their assault late into the night, leaving several residents dead while many others remain unaccounted for, reports Vanguard.
The attacks reportedly forced residents to flee their homes in fear as the search for survivors and missing persons continued.
The source said the casualty figure could rise as community members comb nearby bushes and destroyed homes for those still missing after the raid.
“This is another very sad day for the people of Kwande. The attackers stormed the communities Thursday morning and killed innocent women and children for no reason whatsoever,” he lamented.
He added that the death toll was already close to 20 but warned that more bodies could still be recovered. “The number of deaths is about 20, but with the ongoing search and the number of persons still unaccounted for, I can assure you that more bodies may be recovered. It is really saddening.
“Our women and children are being killed in their homes and we feel as if there is no government in place to protect our defenceless people. It is very sad,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing the killings as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the affected communities.
Governor Alia stressed that every life matters and that the loss of even one life is too many, assuring the people of Kwande and the entire Benue State that his administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the killings are brought to justice.
He also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in the area.
The governor acknowledged the recent deployment of over 400 security personnel to Jato-Aka and other parts of Kwande but noted that the latest attacks indicate that more needs to be done to safeguard lives and property.
While appealing to residents to remain calm, Governor Alia urged them to cooperate with security agencies working to restore peace to the troubled communities.
“I understand the pain and frustration of our people and I share their desire for peace and security. My administration will not rest until absolute peace is achieved in Kwande and across Benue State,” the governor said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached for comment.
