The three major tribes in Benue State, under the aegis of Mdzough U Tiv, Idoma National Forum and Omi Ny’Igede, yesterday disclosed that over 500 persons were still missing or unaccounted for following attacks on some communities by suspected herdsmen. Elders of the tribes, led by elder statesman and President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Chief Edward Ujege, made the claim while briefing newsmen in Makurdi in reaction to a press conference by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MAKH, denouncing the Benue Open Grazing Prohibition Law.

Ujege said the magnitude of the killings, destruction of property and raping of women and children perpetrated by suspected herdsmen in the state propelled the people to compel government to enact the law. “From 2013 to 2016, over 500 persons are still missing while over 500,000 people were displaced and the future of almost a million youths truncated,” he said.

“Over 9,000 households were affected and over 2,000 killed in various attacks carried out by herdsmen while properties worth over N95 billion were destroyed in 2014 alone.

“This struggle therefore is for the emancipation of our people from slave drivers and preservation of lives and property as well as freedom from suppression which our people have suffered over the years.” (Sunday Vanguard)