By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi
No fewer than twenty four persons were allegedly killed by unknown gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in Tarka and Guma Local Government Areas.
Day Break learned that the attack in Tiotu community in Tarka Local Government Area, Sen George Akume’s home local government which took place at 11pm left no fewer than sixteen Persons dead while scores were severely injured as members of the community were said to have fled their homes for fear of being lynched.
It was gathered that a corpse suspected to be that of Fulani herdsman was discovered in the early hours of the day in Ukor, a boundary between Mbakor in Tarka and Nongov in Guma Local Government Areas.
Findings showed that the people of the area had alerted security operatives to come to the area but according to informed sources, they did not respond on time.
An eye witness told Day Break that Policemen and Soldiers were later seen evacuating the corpse.
In the same vein, suspected herdsmen have allegedly attacked Semaka village in Mbadwem in Guma Local Government Area, Governor Ortom’s home base on the same day killing eight Persons on the spot.
Investigation has shown that the attackers allegedly stormed the community at about 7pm where they launched attack on them. Checks by Day Break indicated that many other persons are missing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, DSP Sewuese Anene could not be reached for comments as at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has condemned in its entirety the attack on some communities in Tarka and Guma Local Government Areas by suspected herdsmen where many people were killed.
The Governor who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Nathaniel Kyur enjoined Citizens of the state to defend themselves against the invasion and killings in the state.
The call is coming on the heels of fresh attacks on some communities in Tarka and Guma Local Governments by invading armed herdsmen where many were killed and scores were injured.
Governor Ortom noted that it has become clear that the people of the state can no longer wait for help from anywhere but to defend themselves against the Invaders.
The Governor enjoined security operatives to do more in preventing crimes and property of the Benue citizens, urging people of the state to cooperate with security agents to fish out perpetrators of the heinous acts.
The aforementioned attack on communities in Tarka and Guma Local Government Areas by suspected herdsmen is one of the many attacks on farmers since cropping season began.
Findings showed that during farming periods, farmers experience more attacks from herdsmen who usually come to graze their own cows.
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