Suspected Gunmen Kill 25 In Benue Village As DPO, Policemen Flee

GOV. GABRIEL SUSWAM ON TUESDAY INSPECTING VILLAGES RAZED BY FULANI HERDSMEN
GOV. GABRIEL SUSWAM ON TUESDAY INSPECTING VILLAGES RAZED BY FULANI HERDSMEN

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have again being blamed for yesterday’s attack on Guma Local Government Area headquarters, Gbajimba, Benue State, which left at least 25 farmers dead.

The militia, who reportedly brandished sophisticated weapons, also left no fewer than 50 persons injured. A few of them were taken to the hospital in the state capital, Makurdi, where they are currently receiving treatment.

The attack is a continuation of the onslaught on Tiv villages by the Fulani herdsmen, who were suspected to have being responsible for the daring attack on Governor Gabriel Suswam’s convoy about a fortnight ago, when he visited areas the area.

Minister of State for Trade and Investment Chief Samuel Ortom, who hails from the local government and had lost his house in an earlier invasion, cried out yesterday.

Narrating how the invasion was carried out, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Investment, Abraham Kwaghga, who also hails from the local government, said: The Fulani militia, numbering over 200, launched the attack on the town at 10am, when residents were in the church.

“Some came through the bank of River Benue. Others came through Nassarawa State road and positioned themselves on the west side of Gbajimba town. Those that came through the River Bank launched attack first. Others started shooting and killing indiscriminately. I saw about 20 bodies on the ground”, said Kwaghga.

The governor’s aide said he took five wounded victims to the Benue State University Hospital Makurdi whilehHe put the number of injured at about 50.

Kwaghga alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his men fled the town, leaving the unarmed peasant farmers at the mercy of the gunmen.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ezeala said he was yet to get in touch with his men in the crisis area.