Six killed in fresh herdsmen attack in Benue

Suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed six persons in a fresh attack in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to PUNCH, a local who simply identified himself as Terna, said the attack occurred at Umella village in Mbawa Council Ward of the LGA around 3 pm.

Terna said, “Some Fulani herders came into Umella community around 3 pm yesterday (Thursday) and attacked the villagers, shot and macheted them.

“Gunshots rented the air when they came which made people run helter-skelter but at the time the attackers left six dead bodies were found.”

He gave the names of the deceased to include Aginde Ibember, Orfega Ibember, Alex Msuega, Tsula Iortyer, Verlumun Ortese, and one other whose identity was yet unknown.

The LGA Chairman, Mike Uba, who confirmed the attack to journalists on the phone, said that the herders invaded the Umella community around the afternoon and killed six people.

The Security Adviser to the State Governor, Lt Col Paul Hemba retd, also confirmed the attack.

He said, “The information I have is that six people were killed in an unprovoked attack on Umella community on Thursday afternoon”.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, however, said she had yet to receive information from the area.

“I have not received information from that end,” Anene said.