At least seven people were reported to have been killed by suspected armed herders at Channel One community, a border settlement in Ukemberagya/Tswarev Council Ward in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The community, according to a resident, is located along the Arufu-Wukari road, Taraba State.

The resident, who simply identified himself as Amos, told journalists in a telephone interview on Monday that the incident happened Sunday night.

According to Amos, the suspected herders invaded the community at about 11 pm on Sunday and shot sporadically, making residents scamper for safety.

A community leader in the area, Joseph Anawah, who corroborated the resident, said that six people were killed.

Anawah said that six people, namely, Akor Gwakyaa, Msooter Gwakyaa, Aondoungwa Michael, Vershima Michael, Terna Michael and Msughter Terzungwe, were killed during the invasion.

The community leader added, “It is also confirmed that some people whose names are not immediately mentioned sustained life-threatening injuries and have been hospitalised at different medical facilities in Anyiin town.

“Those in critical health condition, numbering about seven, have been taken to Ugba town, Logo LGA, for medical treatment.

He added, “The Fulani attackers came in large numbers, armed with firearms, and were on motorcycles. It is alleged that the marauders are those camped at Shaor, one of the deserted villages that several intelligence reports have identified as a Fulani marauders’ camp in Logo LGA.”

Anawah said that residents of the affected and neighbouring communities have fled and relocated to other villages for fear of further attacks.

The community leader appealed to both state and federal governments to intensify border coordinated clearance operations to dislodge the suspected marauders camped at Shaor and other deserted villages identified in previous intelligence reports.

He also called for joint inter-state security task forces with Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba states to monitor cross-border movements of suspected Fulani mercenaries and, possibly, block all routes used by attackers to attack border communities in Logo LG.

Also confirming the incident, Chairman of Logo LG, Clement Kav, who spoke to journalists on the phone on Monday, said that seven people were killed by armed herders during the Sunday night attack.

“They killed seven people and injured four others. What they did was that they came, attacked and ran back to where they came from.

“They carried out the attack late Sunday night, the chairman said.

He also said he had briefed the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, and the Special Adviser on Homeland Security on the incident.

The State Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive the report and promised to get back to our correspondent as soon as she had it.

The PPRO was yet to get back as of the time of filling this report.

Killings of innocent people by suspected armed herders and local bandits seem to have been intensified in the past few days across the state.

Last Thursday, gunmen invaded the Olegabulu community in Agatu LGA, where they killed a traditional ruler, his wife, his son and two others.

Also, Saturday night, armed men suspected to be local militias killed three mourners and kidnapped two others while returning from a burial ceremony in Sati Ikov Council Ward of Ushongo Local Government Area of the state.

(The PUNCH)

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