Suspected herders kill five, set houses ablaze in Benue

No fewer than five people have been killed in another attack on the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected herders.

About two weeks ago, the Naka Divisional Police Officer, Mamud Abubakar, a Superintendent of Police, and five others were killed in separate attacks in the area.

In the latest attack, which happened on Thursday, the assailants were reported to have launched the attack on Nagi Mbachohon council in the Gwer West around 5pm on Thursday, killing five people as seven others were injured.

An indigene, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said, “The herders invaded the Nagi community around 5pm yesterday (Thursday).

“They came in their numbers and shot at anything at sight; the attack lasted almost 30 minutes and they ran away. It was after the situation was calm that we saw five lifeless bodies on the ground: two women and three men.  They also burnt down several houses, including the palace of the traditional ruler of the community.”

Efforts to get the state Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, to confirm the attack were not successful.

However, the Security Adviser to the Governor, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (retd) confirmed the attack.

He said, “The attack was carried out by herdsmen. Five people were killed.”

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