Herdsmen Massacre Over 20 Villagers In A Renewed Attack In Benue
Loading ...From Msughshima Andrew, Makurdi
Fulani herdsmen have attacked Omusu, Edumoga community in Benue state killing over 20 people and injuring many others.
The attack took place on Monday shortly after a communal meeting of the community and Fulani people.
According to community members, the number of people killed in a suspected Fulani herdsmen attack on Omusu community in Edumoga, Okpokwu area council has risen to 27 following the discovery of more victims and survivors by Tuesday Morning.
Our correspondent gathered that the chairman of Okpokwu LG, Hon. Olofu Ogwuche who mobilised a team of security men to the area after the gory attack said the suspected herdsmen struck after he left a peace meeting in the area.
He said survivors and volunteers from neighboring communities are combing the bush for more victims while those injured have been moved to hospitals within the area by the chairman of the council.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attacks.
A press release from the command made available to 247ureports states that at about 0730hrs, Monday, the police received information from the Security Adviser, Okpokwu LGA that some Irate Youths from Omusu engaged some Herdsmen in a fight, maiming some cows, while two Herdsmen were found missing.
According to the release, a peace meeting was immediately initiated with the Chairman of the LGA and the Head of the Fulani Community in the area, while a Police Search Party went in search of the 2 missing Herdsmen, one of who was found killed.
“Unfortunately, as the search and peace meeting were ongoing, some Herdsmen surreptitiously went on rampage, resulting in matcheting to death of 15 persons mainly women and children, while some houses were set ablaze.”
The police said four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder while an extensive patrol of the community is ongoing which will be reinforce with the Special Forces.
As at the time of writing this report, Benue state Governor Samuel Ortom was on his way to Omusu community for inspection of the area to ascertain the level of damage and to also ensure that normalcy returns to the area.
