Benue: 81 reported killed as “herdsmen” strike again, police say it’s not true
Scores of Nigerians have reportedly been killed by suspected herdsmen whom local leaders say have embarked on a territorial occupation campaign.
In reported attacks on six council wards in Logo area of Benue State over the weekend, the armed men reportedly killed at least 70 villagers.
Logo’s traditional ruler Chief Jimmy Meeme is said to have given the death toll when he went on Channels TV to alert the world to the killings.
Reports also quoted eyewitnesses as saying Turan, Mbagber, Yonov and Tombo communities in Logo all came under attack. So did Varser in Ukum local government area.
Reports say as many as 81 people may have been killed. The police begged to differ.
State police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed the attacks adding that the death toll was being exaggerated.
He said only 22 deaths were recorded in Logo and Ukum local government areas.
The last time suspected herdsmen reportedly killed at least 300 people in Agatu, Benue State, the police said only six people were killed.
State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is said to be getting increasingly frustrated with the killings. He reportedly lamented the apparent inability of the security agencies to arrest the perpetrators of the coordinated attacks.
During the Agatu attack, no security agency responded to calls for villagers to be protected.
Leaders of Fulani herdsmen were quoted to have said the villagers were attacked for killing a Fulani man in the past.
In the wake of the latest attacks in Logo and Ukum, State Coordinator of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Garus Gololo, said the body would help the police track down those responsible..
