Suspected herdsmen have again attacked two communities in Benue State, leaving at least nine farmers dead. Locals claimed that this was despite the presence of heavy security in the area.
According to sources, the attacks occurred Friday evening in Ayilamo, located in Tombo ward of Logo Local Government Area, and in Jato-Acka, Kwande Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses said over 20 armed assailants stormed Jato-Acka in broad daylight, shooting indiscriminately. Six residents were killed on the spot.w
The attackers later moved to Ayilamo through the Ikyungwa axis, where they killed three more people, including an officer of the state’s Livestock Guard. A community leader, Tyovenda Igyutu told journalists that Ayilamo could have been completely overrun if not for the swift response of soldiers and police operatives.
Confirming the incident, a youth leader in Jato-Acka, Lawrence Akerigba, said: “The invaders came around 4 p.m., shot several people, and set houses ablaze.” Meanwhile, the police command in the state is yet to issue any statement on the reported incident.
