BLOODY WEEKS IN BENUE: Over 20 killed by herdsmen, others missing

It was a bloody week in Benue State as no fewer than 20 persons have been reportedly killed in another coordinated attack on some communities in Waya, Jato-Aka, Turan and villages in Mbabuande and Mbapa Council Wards of Kwande and Gwer West Local Areas of the state respectively.

IDOMA VOICE gathered that among those killed were Gbaeren Orsoo, Terdoo Tsega, Bemdoo Tsega, Abacha Tsega, Terkaa Tsega, Aôndoaseer Tyov, Iorhen Atim and Aôndowase Igba while the search for more bodies is still ongoing because several persons are still missing and people are fleeing their homes and villagers.

Contacted, the Chairman of Kwande LGA, Mrs Tartor Chianson who confirmed the killings said “the eight corpses so far recovered have been taken to the mortuary in Jato -Aka.

“The herdsmen are still around so I have reported the matter to the Security Adviser to the Governor and the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, who are in the bush searching for more corpses.

“This is sad, my people went to the farm on Thursday because it rained and they were there to prepare the land for planting, unfortunately, they were ambushed and killed in their respective farms at Waya community close to Anwase.

“The herdsmen had come a few days ago and set a lot of houses ablaze. They also kidnapped some other persons, took away their motorcycles and later brought their mutilated bodies and dumped them.

“All they are doing is just to kill and chase our people away and take over our ancestral homes. As I speak with you some of our Council Wards are under siege; they include Mbachura, Kumakwagh, Yaav Moon and Mbaikyur.

“They have sustained the attacks in the last three months and we have lost over 50 persons in the attacks and we are now home to over 3,500 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs,” she added.