Fresh bloodbath in Benue

Many people have been feared killed and others injured when herdsmen attacked three villages in Guma local government area on Saturday.

The Police spokesperson Kate Sewuese Anene, a DSP,  confirmed the attack but said she was yet to ascertain the exact number of casualties.

She promised to get in touch with the DPO of Guma Division Police Officer to confirm the number of casualties.

The Nation gathered from a member of the community, Tyodugh Ukume, that the suspected herdsmen stormed the three communities in Mbadwen council wards and opened fire on harmless villagers.

The communities attacked are: Torkula, Kaseyo and Kponko.

Ukume, who said he narrowly escaped the attack and fled to Makurdi, Benue state capital, further stated the area was deserted and most victims displaced.

He said those with serious injuries were receiving medical attention in Makurdi.

Another unconfirmed reports said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, on receiving the distress call, stormed the villages that came under herdsmen attacked and killed some herdsmen after repelling them.

There was however no independent confirmation if some herdsmen were killed.

An investigation by The Nation revealed that since rains and farming session set in, suspected herdsmen have carried out more than 20 attacks on border communities in Guma local government area.

Those who came under attack were peasant farmers who attempted to return to their farmlands after many years in IDPs camp.