Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen have killed eight mourners in a fresh attack on Tse-Jor community in Gwer West Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.
It was gathered that the victims were killed shortly after burying some victims of a similar attack on the community. The armed herdsmen were said to have stormed the community and opened fire on the mourners, who were about to leave the venue of the burial.
The invaders who also razed part of the community left several persons with varying degrees of injury.
According to Vanguard, a source said, “the people in the morning gathered and buried their loved ones who were killed just a day ago by Fulani people. They conducted the burial with the protection of security people. And after the burial, the security people left and the people were about to leave the scene of the burial when the armed Fulani herdsmen came and started shooting everyone.
“They gunned down plenty people and injured many. People ran for their lives but most of the victims were people who could not escape. No one saw it coming, no one thought the people will be courageous enough to attack our people during a burial ceremony that also had security persons in attendance.”
The Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Andrew Ayande, who confirmed the incident described the attack and murder of the innocent mourners as heartless and highly condemnable.
Ayade said, “the armed Fulani herders stormed Tse-Jor where the mourning people were burying their dead. And incidentally the people they were burying were also killed a day ago by these same armed herders.
“Security personnel from the military were there with them as the burial was going on, so everyone was relax. They aided in conducting the burial. After the burial the security people left and the mourners were also about leaving. And suddenly the armed herders appeared and opened fire on them.
“They killed eight of the mourners in that village and injured others. After that they set the village on fire.
“It is quite unfortunate because these were mourners who went to bury their dead. The attackers came in from neighbouring Nasarawa state to unleash mayhem on our people.
“Luckily the soldiers were alerted and they returned back to the village, but the attackers fled to where they came from. If not for the quick return of the security personnel the casualty figure would have been higher because Tse-Jor is a very big settlement.
“The activities of the marauders is almost becoming a daily affair in our villages and they are obviously on a mission to take over our communities.”
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive details of the incident as at the time of filling this report.