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, condemned the attacks, which occurred between Saturday and Sunday in four different communities.
The CPS quoted the governor to have condemned “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.
“Tyolaha and Tse Ubiam communities were attacked on Saturday and five people were killed at Tyolaha and seven persons killed in Tse Ubiam.
“Ironically, the attack on Saturday happened nearby a military base located at Tse-Ubiam and Tyolaha communities.”
According to him, a search-and-rescue team set up by stakeholders in Nagi and the council had recovered 42 bodies as of early Monday.
“So far, 42 bodies have been recovered between Saturday and early hours of today, Monday,” Terseer stated.
Aondona, one of the worst-hit communities, is also the hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, and Mrs. Eunice Ortom, wife of the immediate past governor.
Speaking on the attacks, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mr. Victor Omnin, described the situation as “genocide on my people.”
In an emotion-laden voice, he said:“Yes, it happened and is still happening. It’s a pathetic situation. As we speak, we are still recovering corpses and over 30 dead bodies have been recovered so far between Sunday and Monday. [The Punch]
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