News Editor
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… Scores injured, others missing
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Not fewer than 30 persons have been reportedly killed by herdsmen militia in new attacks on Logo and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue state.
It was gathered that the herdsmen attacked a settlement of Tombo Council Ward of Logo LGA, on Sunday, killing 20 people and injuring over 30 others while 10 persons were killed in Katsina-Ala LGa on Monday.
A community leader from Logo, Chief Joseph Anawa told newsmen herdsmen that the terrorists numbering over 300 invaded and attacked Azege settlement of Tombo Council Ward on Sunday 24th November 2024 at about 7am.
Anawa said the terrorists who were armed with sophisticated weapons were suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, probably hired from neighbouring countries “because their appearance was slightly different from the herders we have around.
“This invasion was carried out in the morning hours and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals.
The security operatives on ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying.
“It was not until the arrival of a military jet before they were able to subdue them to retreat. As we speak, over 20 corpses were discovered while the search for more missing persons is on going.”
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Logo LGA, Mr Clement Kav said “It is true that some herdsmen came all the way from Nasarawa State and attacked my people. They attack the Tombo Council Ward and killed 17 persons and injured 37.”
According to him, the herdsmen are claiming ownership of the land that the Tombo land belongs to them.
He however said the Governor has mobilized more security to the area and peace has been restored.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Katsina Ala LGA, Mr Justine Shaku, confirmed the Monday attack lamenting that his people have suffered several attacks.
He said “Yes, another incident of attack by herder marauders was reported to have taken place this morning the 25th day of November, 2024 at about 20:00 hrs.
“Information is that many of them heavily armed stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward, Shitile in Katsina -Ala LGA. From reports, they killed many people, the number yet known, destroyed valuable properties and looted a lot of house hold items and left uninterruptedly.
“Benue State is under severe security threat by herder armed bandits. The level of destruction and scores killed would be forwarded to you in due course, please,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene confirmed the attack in Logo saying five dead bodies have been recovered.
