Suspected Herdsmen Kill 6 Residents, Several Others Missing in Fresh Benue Attacks

 George Okoh in Makurdi

No fewer than six residents were allegedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse-Nyaku, Biliji and other communities in Mbatian and Mbazum, Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

The attacks were said to have occurred on Friday night, according to a resident of Mbatian, Aondofa David.

A security source said that several residents were missing following the attacks.

A resident of Biliji, one of the affected communities, who pleaded anonymity, said nine people were reportedly killed, although only six bodies had been recovered as of the time of filing this report.

“The attackers are suspected armed herdsmen. They first launched attacks in some villages in Mbazum Mbaterem before moving to Mbatian communities. Nine people were killed but for now six dead bodies were recovered,” the resident said.

When contacted by telephone, the Chairman of Ukum LGA, Jonathan Modi, did not respond to calls. However, one of his aides said the chairman was busy attending to victims of the incident.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Orchia Aondongu, said he was yet to receive a report of the attacks from security personnel in the area.

“I am yet to receive a report of the attack you are talking about. When I get details, I will get back to you,” he said.