Suspected Herdsmen Kill Seven In Benue Communities

Makurdi, Benue State – A group of gunmen suspected to be armed herders, have invaded several communities in Logo Local Government Area, and killed seven people.

The attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, reportedly attacked twice in the council area on Sunday, January 7, 2024.

It was gathered that they first attacked a commercial vehicle between Arufu and Chembe villages and shot at passengers.

The gunmen later invaded the Mchia community in Gaamber-Tiev in the night and killed seven people.

Meanwhile, some of the residents were reported to have been missing during the invasion.

A community leader, Anawah Joseph confirmed the incident on Monday and said that the first attack was on a commercial vehicle between Arufu and Chembe villages.

“Armed Fulani herders in collaboration with Jukun militias on Sunday shot at a commercial vehicle heading to Iorza where some passengers suffered an injury. They also invaded Mchia where they slaughtered eight people,” he said.

Rev Adagbe Jonathan, the Chairman of the local government confirmed the incident and said that seven people were killed while several others were still missing.

“Armed herders in collaboration with Jukun militias indeed attacked my people yesterday (Sunday) at about 9 pm,” Jonathan stated.

“With the help of policemen, we were able to recover five corpses Sunday night while two corpses were recovered this morning (Monday morning). They also shot at a commercial vehicle where two people were injured.

“As I am talking to you now, the two people who sustained injuries have been taken to hospital at Anyim but many people are still missing.”

Jonathan who said he was on his way to report the incident to the security adviser, Joseph Har, added that the attackers were armed herders hired by Jukun militias.