The face-off between the Fulani herdsmen and Benue state farmers which led to the massacre of over 200 farmers in some part of Benue state took a dangerous dimension as investigation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC reveals that Chemical weapons were used after all.
This was revealed by the Director General, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
The NAFDAC boss after donating relief materials to the victims of the feud at their various camps in Markudi and Guma local government areas of the state noted that substances suspected to be chemical weapons were used in the killing of the over 200 farmers by men suspected to be Fulan herdsmen.
Orhii however did not say further how NAFDAC arrived at its claim but it was believed that he made the revelation based on the outcome of the forensic test carried out by the body.
Meanwhile the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, umbrella body of Fulani herdsmen and the Benue farmers have signed a peace accord to end all hostilities ongoing in parts of Benue State at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Benue state.
Reading the resolution of the meeting to newsmen, General Kpera, who was flanked by Alhaji Modejo, said both the Tiv/Agatu and Fulani have agreed to immediately cease hostilities, and also set up a task force to implement the peace agreement. They also vowed to fish out all criminal elements that were fueling the dispute in order to effectively tackle the crisis.
”We also agreed that the Fulani have not been chased out of Benue; they should feel free to remain and co-exist peacefully with Tiv/Agatu rural farmers.
”We have agreed to meet from time to time to build confidence and keep track of the implementation of the peace agreement.”
The meeting also cautioned the feuding parties against taking laws into their hands, advising that all illegal road blocks set up the parties for the purpose of searching vehicles to harass individuals be dismantled forthwith
In attendance were the Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG, (Operations), Mike Zuokumor and his team, the Chairman, Benue State Reconciliatory and Peace Building Committee, led by General Atom Kpera and members of his committee as well as the National President Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Alhaji Bello Modejo and his team.
