There was palpable fear in Logo Local Government Area of Benue state after gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia attacked two communities killing 15 persons and injured many others.
Locals who spoke to journalists on phone said the attack which took place at about 10 pm on Tuesday, was unprovoked.
As at Wednesday morning, a native from the area, who didn’t want to be named told our correspondent that, “Again, Fulani last night attacked Mchia and Mou settlement all in Logo LGA and killed more than 20 people and wounded over 50 others were receiving treatment in different health facilities in Gaambe-tiev.
A leader in one og the communities, Mr Joseph Anawah told journalists that “on 21st September 2022 at about 10:00 pm, armed Fulani herdsmen attacked Mchia village in Mbagber council ward Logo LGA.
“They murdered 12 persons and shot 15 others including children. The gunmen also carried out a separate attack on Mou village in Ukemberagya/Tswarev council ward Logo LGA where they murdered three persons, including Lanem Dooior, Iorungwa Andy Uchir and Emeka Ike.
“They also shot and injured three persons; Mr Shaorga Akaaume, Ubugh Obele and Aondosoo Aondoakaa who are now receiving treatment at NKST hospital Anyiin, headquarters of Logo local government.
Confirming the incident, the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, said “We got information about these people (terrorists) planning to attack Ortese, Nkohol and two other locations in Guma LGA on Tuesday night and we quickly deployed that night and re in forced to the places yesterday morning.
“My troops noticed where those guys were hibernating in the bush and went after them. Of course, they made contacts with them. They saw them carrying their casualties and running into the bush. In the cause of coming back, one of our soldiers just slumped, he was not shot. He was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.”
He said the pattern of settlement is not helping matters as the attackers go to isolated areas where they know that security is not near and they kill innocent farmers.
Meanwhile, the Security Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba, rtd, described the killings as unfortunate.
He said he had alerted security agencies who rushed to the two communities after he received a distress “but by the time they arrived, the damage had already been done. The gunmen did that and ran away into the bush.
“Same day, two communities were to be attacked in Guma. Fortunately, officers of OPWS got the information and prevented the attacks. The soldiers laid ambush and engaged the bandits in gun duel. So many of the bandits were neutralized but the five motorcycles used by the soldiers were burnt down.”