2 killed in fresh herdsman attack in Benue

BY PETER DURU, Makurdi

The conflict between native Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen in parts of Benue State reared its head again when two persons were reportedly killed by the Fulani herdsmen at Uvir community  during a fishing festival at Ake Lake in Guma local government area.

Chairman of the local government, Hon. Frank Adi, who disclosed this yesterday while briefing newsmen on the occasion of his 100 days in office, lamented that the recurrent invasion of communities in the area by herdsmen was taking its toll on the socio-economic life of his people. Adi disclosed that one of the victims of the attack was a visitor from a neighboring local government area who came to savour the fishing festival but met his untimely death.

According to him, “In my first 100 days, we have embarked on several development projects across the council area, including the construction of a police station at Agasha, roads, refurbishing and rehabilitation of our offices and the improvement in staff welfare and security. ” It is pertinent to note that the essence of embarking on these development projects is to better the living condition of our people but they cannot enjoy these benefits in an atmosphere of skirmishes and crisis.

”That is why I eagerly call on the state and federal governments to create grazing settlements and routes for these herdsmen in order to stem the bloodbath and senseless killings of our farming populace”.

The chairman disclosed that four persons had been arrested in connection with the crisis, adding that security operatives had also been drafted to the troubled community to check further breakdown of law and order.

When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Suprintendent of Police, DSP, Daniel Ezeala, said he was yet to be briefed on the fresh killings.

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