Another massacre in Benue as herdsmen kill over 20 people in fresh attack

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Suspected herdsmen have unleashed a wave of violence resulting in the loss of 26 lives across three communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

The assaults, as reported by local residents, unfolded between Saturday and Monday, striking at the heart of Mbakunwande, Jaora communities, and the Naka-Adoka Road.

Tragically, among those killed were six brave personnel from the state security outfits, including members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards. These valiant officers had been deployed to safeguard a family attending a burial when they were ambushed and met their untimely demise.

Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Henry Agba, shared the harrowing details of the events with journalists on Tuesday, stating, “The attack commenced on Saturday. Six security operatives of the state, comprising Benue Security Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards, lost their lives.”

He further explained, “They (the security operatives) were accompanying the family of a deceased person to Mbakunwande village, where they had gathered for the burial rites, only to be ambushed and brutally attacked.”

Agba recounted the tragic timeline, adding, “On Saturday, around 11 pm, assailants descended on the community in Jaroa, claiming the lives of 14 innocent individuals. Additionally, on Monday, another community along the Naka-Adoka Road fell victim, resulting in the recovery of six deceased bodies, with numerous others sustaining injuries and currently receiving treatment at local clinics within the LGA.”

In response to these heinous acts, Agba disclosed that the Benue State Police and the state security adviser, Joseph Har, have been duly informed of these distressing incidents.

He also mentioned that Har personally visited one of the attack sites on Monday, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for security measures in the affected areas.