Five members of the Benue State House of Assembly narrowly escaped death on Thursday night when they were attacked by suspected armed herdsmen in the Tyo-Mu community, Gwer Local Government Area (LGA).
The lawmakers found themselves amidst the armed herders’ assault on the community while returning from Katsina-Ala LGA after participating in a public hearing concerning a bill for the establishment of Benue State Civil Protection Guards.
Elias Audu, Chairman of the State Assembly Committee on Information and Orientation, recounted the ordeal in a statement issued over the weekend in Makurdi. He detailed how the lawmakers’ convoy was ambushed around 10 pm, enduring multiple shots from the assailants who besieged Tyo-Mu and Mbakera communities for hours.
Audu strongly condemned the attack, deeming it unjustified, and called upon security agencies to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators and ensure justice prevails.
Part of the statement read: “Members of 10th Benue State House of Assembly were returning from Katsina-Ala after a Public Hearing on a Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of Benue State Civil Protection Guards and for the purposes connected therewith, when suspected herders numbering more than 40 on motorcycles ambushed them at Tyo-Mu and shot severally at the vehicles conveying them.
“Those attacked includes the Majority Leader, Saater Tiseer, the Chief Whip Ipusu Bemdoo, Samuel Jiji of Logo State Constituency, Simon Gabo of Mata State Constituency and Cephas Dyaku of Konshisha.
“Also recall that residents of Tyo-mu community and Mbakera had also been invaded by these suspected herders for several days unchallenged.
“The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Aondona Dajoh is worried that the mode of operation of the attackers showed that the attack was carefully planned by the herders who are enemies of the State.
“The Speaker is also worried that the attack on members on a day of public hearing on a security bill is more worrisome saying it might not be a coincidence.
“He stated that the House would remain committed and resolute in carrying out her legislative assignment in the interest of the State. The House also call on security agents to immediately arrest the terrorist and bring them to Justice.”
However, attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful.
