Benue: Gov outraged as suspected herders kill cop, 41 villagers

Benue map

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed deep outrage and sorrow over the killing of at least 42 people, including a mobile police officer, and the shooting of a Catholic priest by suspected armed herders in Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, strongly condemned the attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Sunday in four different communities.

The CPS quoted the governor as condemning “in strong terms the barbaric attacks on Tse-Orbiam and Ahume communities of Gwer-West LGA, where scores are feared killed.”

He expressed anger that the “the heinous acts, carried out just metres away from a military checkpoint, is a stark reminder of the pervasive violence and lawlessness that have plagued the dilapidated Makurdi-Naka road in recent times.”

“These barbaric criminals masquerading as herders, whose actions reveal a blatant disregard for human life and the sanctity of our communities; their cowardice in attacking innocent individuals, especially, our innocent natives, will not be tolerated,” Alia said,

The governor also condemned the shooting of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu along the Makurdi-Naka road on Saturday, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the safety and security of the people of Benue State.

Residents said the coordinated attacks occurred in Tse-Ubiam, Tyolaha, Ahume, and Aondona communities. A local, Agatha, confirmed the Sunday attacks. A local who spoke to journalists said,“The attack on Ahume and Aondona was on Sunday with over 10 people killed at Ahume and 20 killed in Aondona. The attacks happened between 4pm and 5pm.

“Among the deaths were children of less than two years old.”

Another local, Terseer, said the attacks on Saturday in Tyolaha and Tse-Ubiam claimed 12 lives.