Bloodshed in Benue: Seven killed, scores missing as suspected herdsmen attack Logo

Gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herders, have reportedly claimed the lives of at least seven individuals in an assault on the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred on Sunday when the assailants ambushed a commercial vehicle traveling between Arufu and Chembe villages, firing at passengers and causing injuries. Additionally, the attackers invaded Mchia community during the night, resulting in the death of seven people, with several others reported missing.

According to Anawah Joseph, a community leader who spoke with Punch, armed Fulani herders, in collaboration with Jukun militias, executed the attack. Joseph revealed that the assailants strategically ambushed the road, targeting the commercial vehicle. He stated, “Armed Fulani herders in collaboration with Jukun militias on Sunday shot at a commercial vehicle heading to Lorza where some passengers suffered injury. They also invaded Mchia where they slaughtered eight people.”

Rev Adagbe Jonathan, the Chairman of the local government, confirmed the tragic incident, disclosing that seven individuals lost their lives, and the whereabouts of several others remained unknown. He stated, “It’s true that armed herders in collaboration with Jukun militias attacked my people yesterday (Sunday) at about 9 pm. With the help of policemen, we were able to recover five corpses Sunday night while two corpses were recovered this morning (Monday). They also shot at a commercial vehicle where two people were injured.”

He further added, “As I am talking to you now, the two people who sustained injuries have been taken to the hospital at Anyim, but many people are still missing.”