After a four-day assault by alleged Fulani herdsmen who attacked various communities in Kwande local government area of Benue State, at least 50 deaths have been reported.
The militia laid siege to the Adam, Iyarinwa, Abamde Ityuluv, Waya Boagundu, Agura Ayaga, and Azege areas in Turan Council Ward for four days, killing the villagers and forcing hundreds of others to flee their homes for safety, according to Tertsua Yarkbewan, the council’s immediate past chairman, who confirmed the attack to journalists on Monday.
“Like goats, my people are being slaughtered. According to reports, there have been Fulani attacks, particularly in Turan in the Kwande axis. even in areas where there no attacks have ever been observed previously, according to Yarkbewan.
“Now, every day you hear that five or four people were killed, but it’s impossible to know for sure how many because some bodies are still buried in the underbrush and haven’t been found.
“But considering the amount of individuals being slain in the past few days, I think the casualty counts should be beyond 50,” he continued.
While confirming the attack, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, questioned the number of casualties, stating that it was not as great as claimed.
“They have not yet provided me with the report, but it is not yet 50; in the initial report they provided to me, there was a change in the leadership of the division. She made a brief statement and stated, “The new DPO just reported last Friday and when I asked him to give me a situation report he said the area is calm presently.
