By Peter Duru, Makurdi
At least nine persons have reportedly been killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse-Nyaku, Tse-Biliji and adjoining communities in Mbatian Council Ward of Ngenev, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Several others were reportedly injured, while an unspecified number of residents were said to be missing following the attacks, which began at about 11pm on Friday.
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the assailants invaded the communities in large numbers, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to flee their homes.
According to the source, nine bodies had so far been recovered from the affected communities.
“The attackers came in large numbers and started shooting in the communities. Luckily, many people managed to escape, except for the nine who have been confirmed dead for now because their corpses have been recovered.
“However, it is very likely that the number could increase because many people have not been seen, and no one knows whether they were killed or escaped to other communities.
“Our people discovered that one of armed herdsmen is in possession of the phones of one of the victims and he has been using it to make and receive calls.
“The attacked communities have also already been deserted. It is a very sad day for our people. The Sankera axis of Benue has become a shadow of itself due to the level of insecurity,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ukum I (Ngenev) State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Livinus Tyodoo, described the invasion as “one attack too many.”
In a statement he personally signed, Tyodoo said he received disturbing reports of the deadly attacks on the communities on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday.
He said the attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen militia, had reportedly claimed more than nine lives, adding that several bodies had been recovered while other residents remained missing and some survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“This is one attack too many. I unequivocally condemn the senseless killing, displacement and continued persecution of innocent citizens in their ancestral homes.
“The people of Ukum I (Ngenev) deserve to live in peace, cultivate their farmlands and pursue their legitimate means of livelihood without the constant fear of violence.
“Human civilisation has evolved beyond the Hobbesian state of nature, where life was characterised by insecurity and the constant fear of violent death. In the 21st century, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount, and no community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed assailants,” he said.
Tyodoo stressed that the incident should not be politicised, urging the authorities to take urgent and decisive action to prevent further bloodshed.
“This is not the time for politics or the exchange of blame. It is a time for urgent, coordinated and decisive action,” he said.
He called on the Benue State Government, Ukum Local Government Council and relevant security agencies to strengthen security operations in the affected communities and other vulnerable areas of the local government.
According to him, beyond issuing statements and ordering investigations, the government must ensure effective intelligence gathering, proactive security deployments, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and concrete measures to prevent further attacks.
“Our people must be able to return to their ancestral homes, reclaim their farmlands and carry on with their daily activities without fear. The protection of lives and property is a fundamental responsibility of government, and the people of Ukum deserve nothing less,” he added.
The PDP candidate also expressed condolences to the families of those reportedly killed, while praying for the safe return of missing persons and the speedy recovery of the injured.
“I pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, comfort for the bereaved families, the safe return of anyone still missing, and a speedy recovery for those who sustained injuries.
“May God comfort our grieving communities, protect our people and restore lasting peace to Ngenev, Ukum and Benue State at large. The time for urgent action is now. Our people deserve security, justice and lasting peace,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said he was yet to receive a report on the incident.
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