Gunmen kill 10, displace thousands in Benue

GUNMEN suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, yesterday, killed 10 persons.

The killing occurred, as the attackers ransacked three settlements — Tse Usu, Gbudu and Branch Umenger — in Mbadwem district.

An eyewitness said the invaders attacked the area in guerrilla style yesterday evening, killing at least 10 persons and injuring many others.

It was gathered that hundreds fled the area for fear of more attacks, and are currently seeking refuge in nearby villages.

Lamenting the heinous activities of the marauders, Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima Mffa, the priest in charge of St. Francis Catholic Parish, Daudu, said some of the displaced persons are taking refuge in his church.

He urged Major General Muhammadu Buhari, the president-elect, to bring the attacks to permanent end.

Confirming the incident, Benue State Police Public Relations’ Officer, Austin Amaechi Ezeani, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), said there ere attacks on some communities in Guma, but explained that he was yet to receive adequate briefing on number of deaths and the level of destruction on property.

Guma is the country home of the Governor-elect of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom, and has been one of the councils targeted by Fulani marauders in the past three years.