In a wave of fresh violence, Fulani herdsmen have reportedly attacked Logo local government area of Benue state, killing two and sacking over 25 villages.
From these fresh attacks, the Fulani herdsmen have left no fewer than 3,000 persons homeless after several houses and huts were razed in the affected villages. This attack comes in the midst of the controversies caused by the destruction of Agatu communities by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
It was gathered that the assailants took over the villages following an invasion that reportedly started about four days ago at Ukemberegya, Bwarer, Mbawar, Gov and Gambe Tiev communities. Mrs. Terungwa Torhemba, a victim of the attack, who spoke through an interpreter in Makurdi, said the fully armed Fulani herdsmen had completely taken over Abiam Koya, Iordye, Nyakoo and Mkpikpa. She listed other affected villages to include Afom, Uzaagir, Ugbende Mue, Dam, Shaausu, Ukme, Chenbe, Anwen, Sebungen Ubosha, Chia, Asemngoroko and Inderkar. “They attacked us four days ago, killing our people. So many cannot be located at the moment; we have also lost all of our belongings, farm produce and farmland to the well-armed herdsmen who have completely taken over our villages.
“At the moment we have no source of livelihood because they have also converted our farm land to grazing settlements for their cattle,” Torhemba said.
Simon Ugba, the caretaker chairman of the council has confirmed that two persons were killed in the attack. The number of displaced people as a result is staggering. Mr. Ugba has also stated that no designated camp had been created for the displaced persons, but has assured that the council is doing everything they can in conjunction with the state government to help the victims as well as secure assistance from concerned individuals and organisations.
The Minister of Interior, Abdurrahman Dambazau, in a statement issued on March 14 by his chief press secretary, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen, promised that the perpetrators of the evil act in Agatu communities would be dealt with decisively.
The minister gave the pledge while commiserating with the government and people of the state weeks after the unfortunate incident occurred.