Scores missing as bandits kill seven in fresh Benue attack

• Later that night, the assailants allegedly raided Mchia community, resulting in the loss of seven lives, while several others were reported missing following the attack
  

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At least seven individuals were tragically killed on Sunday in a fresh assault by suspected Fulani herders in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Reportedly, the armed herders targeted a commercial vehicle between Arufu and Chembe villages on Sunday, opening fire on passengers.

Later that night, the assailants allegedly raided Mchia community, resulting in the loss of seven lives, while several others were reported missing following the attack.

Anawah Joseph, a community leader, recounted to Punch over the phone on Monday that the attackers ambushed and shot at a commercial vehicle on the road between Arufu and Chembe villages.

He said, “Armed Fulani herders in collaboration with Jukun militias on Sunday shot at a commercial vehicle heading to Lorza where some passengers suffered injury.

“They also invaded Mchia where they slaughtered eight people.”

The Chairman of the local government, Rev Adagbe Jonathan, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday, said seven persons were killed while several others were still missing.

He said, “It’s true that armed herders in collaboration with Jukun militias attacked my people yesterday (Sunday) at about 9 pm.

“With the help of policemen, we were able to recover five corpses Sunday night while two corpses were recovered this morning (Monday). They also shot at a commercial vehicle where two people were injured.

“As I am talking to you now, the two people who sustained injuries have been taken to hospital at Anyim but many people are still missing.”

The council chairman, who said he was on his way to report the incident to the security adviser, Joseph Har, added that the attackers were armed herders hired by Jukun militias.

The council chairman, who said he was on his way to report the incident to the security adviser, Joseph Har, added that the attackers were armed herders hired by Jukun militias.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, were not successful as calls to her phone were not answered.