Benue State has been a target for violent Fulani herdsmen, kidnappers in recent times
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi-
The people of Tombo in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State were on Wednesday night attacked by the trigger ready herdsmen killing one man, his son and three others and as well injured dozens.
One of the victims of the herdsmen attack and member of the community, who spoke to NATIONAL ACCORD, Mama Mbaihembe Kwaghkuma informed that the blood thirsty herders came in the night when they were least expected and caused mayhem on the people of the community.
Mama Mbaihembe Kwaghkuma revealed that the attack was on Ayilamo town, explaining further that a lot of people of the community had abandoned their various villages and were taking refuge in Ayilamo and did not expect the attackers to come to the area to attack them
According to the informant, it took the courage of the youths of the area to go out in their numbers to challenge the attackers with den guns which they use for hunting..
Checks by NATIONAL ACCORD indicated that women and children of the community chose to die as they allegedly went and laid their complaint to the soldiers who were to respond for any attack by the herders.
According to our investigation, the soldiers threatened to shoot them but none of them withdrew, insisting that their husbands were already killed and soldiers should better kill them.
It was gathered that the soldiers who were scaring them by shooting in the air allegedly informed them that it was the traditional ruler in the area that usually asks them not to go after herdsmen.
Angered by that information, the women and children of the community took sticks to the monarch’ house, the Mue Ter Ipusu Chief Enoch Nyikyaa Ikuumen In readiness as alleged to kill him as they considered him a betrayal.
We found out that the traditional ruler was not found in his house but the angry women and children allegedly used their sticks and pulled down his houses and set his property ablaze.
Worried by the development, the newly inaugurated Logo Local Government Chairman, Mr. Clement Kav visited Tombo people at Ayilamo, where he assured them of more security presence in Tombo Council Ward to fight insecurity.
The Council Chairman, who was accompanied on the visit by the DPO in charge of Logo, Security Secretary, Mr Daniel Imongiga also visited hospitals where some casualties were admitted and as well visited the soldiers’ camp at Ayilamo to familiarize with them
In their separate comments, Chief John Allah, Msugh Abughzwa, Hon. Usha Geri Tor-Geri and Hon. Umishi Terungwa all appreciated the Chairman for his prompt response and appealed to the state government to ensure the safety of their lives and property.
