At least three persons have been killed and many others still missing in a renewed attack by Fulani herdsmen on communities in Ukemberagya, Gaambe-Tiev in Logo local government area of Benue state. The attack is happening barely 24 hours after Vice President Yemi Osibanjo left the state, after a two day working visit. The vice president had during the visit to the state interacted with IPDs and stakeholders to find a way forward around the killings by herdsmen in the state.
But shortly after he left the state, herdsmen launched attacks on settlements including, Tse-Mue, Torkaa, Mgbakpa, Torjem Ifer, all ofIchembe in Ukemberagya, Gaambe Tiev council ward, leaving three persons dead. One of the locals, Mr. Terkaa Agya, named those killed as Bem Torjem, Apedzan Chia and Akpuku Koya. Agya said the attack took place between 6:30 am to 9:00am yesterday. Another resident of the area, Mr. Joseph Anawah, said the marauding herdsmen came at a time when farmers were on their way to the farms.
He said the attack has created fear in the residents who are now deserting their homes for safety. It could be noted that the attacked communities are less than 10kilometres from Anyiin, one of the areas housing IDPs, which the vice President also visited.
Confirming the incident during a courtesy visit on him by Minister of State II for Works, Transport and Energy, Surveyor Suleiman Hassan Zarma, Governor Samuel Ortom said, “Even this morning, the herdsmen killed some people in Logo.” Also confirming the incident to newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting, Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the victims were killed along Anyiin, Wukari road.
He said, while they were still in the state security council meeting, they got hint that there was an attack on Ichembe, which fall under Logo local government, leading to the death of three persons. According to Owoseni, the police had already started investigation into the killings.
