Days After Launch Of Volunteer Guards, Herdsmen Kill Six In Benue

Herders on Wednesday killed six people at two communities in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident comes barely a week after Samuel Ortom, governor of the state inaugurated a security outfit, Benue Volunteer Community Guards, to tackle the menace.

The attack, according to locals, happened at Tse Ngojov and Tse Valem Yaweh, Mbagum communities, Tombo council ward, Logo LGA of the state.

It was gathered that the suspected herders invaded the communities around 9pm on Wednesday, shot sporadically and killed six people.

The deceased were identified as Ander John, Vihior Mtomga, Morgan Varem, Saaior Uyoosu, Aondoyima Tarbo and Peter Asondo.

Those injured were identified as Terngu Usue, Igbaule Valem and Chiater Tarbo (aka Ajimmy).

A resident, who identified himself simply as Terhemen for security reasons, said, “On August 10, 2022, around 9pm, armed Fulani herdsmen attacked Tse Ngojov and Tse Valem Yaweh and murdered six people.”

The Security Adviser to the Governor, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (retd) confirmed the incident.

He said, “It is true; the council chairman briefed me, which I relayed to the governor and the governor has directed that the deceased be buried, while the injured ones be evacuated to the University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.”

The state Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass, who also confirmed the incident, said he had yet to get details.