No fewer than 19 people were reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen who attacked some communities in Gwer West local government area of Benue State between Sunday and Monday.
Locals in the area said that the suspected herdsmen invaded some communities early hours of Monday and killed several people while many others were reportedly injured.
They added that several houses were also set ablaze by the suspected herdsmen.
Residents of Tse Angbeghe and Udam communities have all fled to Aondoana community which is close to Naka, the council headquarters.
According to a local who pleaded not to be mentioned, “at about 5 am this morning the attackers who are herdsmen stormed the Tse Amgbem and Udam all near Aondoana community and killed several people and left many others injured. They also burnt down many houses.”
Another source said that some suspected herdsmen had earlier on Sunday ambushed some motorcyclists at separate areas on Naka Nagi Agagbe and Naka/Makurdi roads, killing six persons.
Chairman of Gwer West local government, Mrs Grace Igbabon who confirmed the separate attacks to the Nigerian Tribune on the phone said that 19 people were killed in three separate attacks in the council area between Sunday and Monday.
She said: “We had about six persons yesterday (Sunday) and 13 people today.
“I was told that the attackers were suspected Fulani herdsmen who attacked the Mbamodu community and killed 13 people and injured several others. The attackers burnt down several houses in the community.
“Other incidents happened on Sunday at another side of Mbachon, some motorcyclists were riding on the road and they saw a man in military uniform who flagged them down.
“I was told that in the process of slowing down, another set of people who possibly had laid ambush came out from the bush and shot at them severally, four of them died and one later escaped.
“Also along Naka/Makurdi road on Sunday, they (suspected herdsmen) killed two others.”
When contacted, spokesperson for Benue State Command, DSP Catherine Anene said she heard of the attack on communities near Aondoana but was yet to get details.
