BRUTAL: Benue to conduct another mass burial for 24 persons killed in fresh herdsmen, farmers’ clash
Benue, within the space of two months, is set to witness another mass burial after 24 persons were killed in a fresh clash between herdsmen and farmers in the state.
The state governor, Samuel Ortom has directed that all victims of the clash be given a mass burial next Friday.
The clash was said to have occurred between the warring herdsmen and farmers at Omutu community in Okpokwu local government area of Benue state Monday afternoon.
A statement by the Benue State Police Command spokesman, ASP, Moses Yamu, said the clash was a reprisal after some youths in the community attacked Fulani herdsmen and ‘maimed’ some cows.
Victims were said to be mostly women and children.
Many of the victims, who suffered varying degrees of injuries, were said to be receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Catholic Hospital, Okpoga.
Governor Ortom condemned the attack, and accused Fulani of “always taking the law into their own hands.
“They reported the case of rustling, but instead of waiting for the outcome of Police investigation, they came and killed 24 people in a day. It is senseless.
“People in Omusu Edimoga community do not understand cow language; so, no one here rustles their cow, it is the same Fulani men that are rustling their fellows’ cows.
“We can not continue with these senseless killings; that is why we came out with the law which is aimed to protect everyone.
“When Sharia law was introduced in Zamfara State, no one violated the law. Let security men do their job and arrest the people,” he said.
Ortom’s media adviser, Tahav Agerzua, said the governor gave the directive for a mass burial on Tuesday (today).
