Herdsmen: Fresh attacks in Benue, Plateau

At least six people have been killed in fresh attacks in Logo and Guma local government areas of Benue state.

Samuel Ortom, governor of the state, disclosed this on Wednesday when he received Dominic Oneya, former military administrator of the state, in Markurdi. He said while two women were killed in Logo, another two were killed in Guma.

Ortom said there were other accounts of violence claiming lives in various parts of the state.

While alleging that the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore are threatening further resistance of the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law — causing ripples in the state, the governor called on security agencies to arrest the leadership of the group.

Benue has been thrown into mourn since earlier this month when herdsmen attacked communities in the state, killing about at least 70 persons.

There have also been other pockets of clashes between the herders and farmers/community members in other parts of the country, including Taraba and Nasarrawa states.

Meanwhile, another person has been killed in what appears to be a clash involving herdsmen and residents in Plateau state.

The deceased, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, was killed on Monday night.

Residents alleged that the incident, which occurred in Kimakpa, Kwall district of Bassa local government area, was orchestrated by herdsmen in the community.

According to the Police, there was an attack on four people: one was killed, another injured and receiving treatment and two escaped unhurt.

Muhammad Abdullahi, chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Plateau state chapter, said the alleged attack on their livestock took place on Monday night.

Abdullahi said a Fulani herder was also beaten “to a point of coma”.

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His statement read: “We are sad with the information reaching us from our branches in Bassa and Riyom local government areas that Irigwe youth militia armed with sophisticated weapon had on Monday 15th January 2018 attacked Fulani herdsmen around Gilda Ado village in Ganawuri district of Riyom LGA.

“The attackers beat a Fulani herder to a point of coma and fled with his cattle numbering 150.

He condemned such acts of criminality, saying “some highly placed political personalities that are benefiting from this cycle of violence”.