By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has sent condolences to families of victims of Wa-ndoo in Mbalom, Gwer-East Local Government Area of Benue State, who were attacked by armed herders leaving over twenty people dead including children.
NATIONAL ACCORD recalled that armed herders last Thursday, March 7, 2024, at about 7pm invaded the Wa-ndoo community in Mbalom of Gwer-East Local Government and killed over twenty natives.
Governor Alia while reacting to the incident in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, assured that his government would not sleep until the armed herders, who perpetrated the heinous act were caught and brought before the law.
He directed security operatives in the state to go after and apprehend the criminal herders as soon as possible.
“We gave these criminals orders to leave the state immediately. We also gave ultimatum to those practicing Open grazing in the state to ensure they comply with the law or leave the state within 14 days.
“That ultimatum has since elapsed. I can see what happened at Wa-ndoo is a calculated attempt to test the resolve of my government over the matter I have already given priority”.
The Governor insisted that all criminals under whatsoever guise who found their way into the state should know that the time is up and there is no going back on strict enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
However an eyewitness who spoke to NATIONAL ACCORD gave the names of the victims as Peter Tion, Nyityo Kyoon Iorfa Ukombor, Doopinen Awua,Tyoshaa Mkaanem, Asan Ate, Asough Ate,Terzungwe Asoo Ate, MWO Mbatsavbun Gbatar (rtd), John Ndahagh Tyohemba, Tertsea Ukombor,Akuma Kpenge, Abume Kpenge, Igba Byuan, Master Ter Byuan, Terzungwe Aulugh and little boy whose name is not yet known at the time of this report.
The eyewitness, who escaped narrowly, said the herders, who were heavily armed did not only kill and injured people but equally destroyed properties and as well carted away with some food item and other valuables possessions.
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