Suspected herders kill five in renewed attack in Benue

Suspected herders have killed no fewer than five people in Guma local council of Benue State.

The incident, according to residents who did not want to be named, happened around 1:00 pm yesterday.

“The Fulani herders invaded Tse Alashi, Kaambe community in Guma local council around 1:00 pm today (Friday).

“They killed four people who were on their farms and also moved to where some people were moulding burnt bricks and killed two people.

Confirming the report, Chairman of Guma local council, Caleb Aba, said the suspected herders stormed the community in the afternoon.

“The incident happened around 1:00pm this afternoon. Some Fulani herders invaded a community called Tse Alashi and killed three people who were working on their farms. They also moved to a place where people were laying burnt bricks and killed two people,” he said.

The chairman said he had informed police about the invasion, adding that there were no injured ones.

The Security Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) also confirmed the incident.

“It was an unprovoked attack. The people were on their farms working when the herders surrounded them and killed them,” he said in a telephone interview.

When contacted, the spokesman of the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack but said she was yet to receive report of killing.

“We have information on the attack but I have not heard of any killing until the team drafted to the place arrive,” Anene said.