President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with Benue Governor Samuel Ortom over the first attack in 2018, leading to deaths, injuries of many, and destruction of property.
The attack took place in Guma and Logo Local Government Areas of the state in the New Year.
Ortom said during a state council security meeting on Tuesday that armed herdsmen killed over 20 and injured more than 30 in Benue between Monday and Tuesday in Guma and Logo local government areas.
Nine of the victims were Livestock Guards ensuring the full implementation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law which was signed into law on November 1.
ALSO SEE: Youths on rampage over herdsmen killing in Benue
The police later said on Wednesday that 17 people were killed and that eight suspects have been arrested.
Hundreds of Benue youth protesting the killings blocked major roads into the state, asking President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene.
Buhari described the attack as “wicked and callous”, and he assured Ortom and people of the state that relevant security agencies have been directed to do everything possible to arrest those behind the regrettable incidents and avert further attacks.
“This is one attack too many, and everything must be done to provide security for the people in our rural communities,” he said.
Mr. Buhari also commiserated with families of the victims and wished the injured speedy healing.