Death toll in Benue community attacks rises to 32

Armed herdsmen terrorists during the week continued their assault on Mbaav, Jato Aka, at Turan in Kwande local government area of Benue state.

Sustained gunfire for the second consecutive day has been reported.
As of Tuesday morning, the death toll from the attacks has risen by 13, with the recovered bodies transported to the Jato Aka mortuary.

A local from the area who gave his name as Gwaza Igyer, said between Saturday and Tuesday, 32 bodies have been recovered.

He said the herdsmen numbering about 100 vowed to continue  the attack until they destroy Jato Aka, headquarters of the Turan people. 

Igyer said more people are still missing but the search cannot be carried out due to the sustained attacks by the herdsmen who said are well armed.

He said the attack has sent shockwaves through the community, with residents fleeing the area in fear of further violence.

The incident is the latest in a series of attacks allegedly by armed Fulani herdsmen in the region.

19 bodies were earlier said to have been recovered from attack between Saturday and Monday in renewed attacks on some communities at Turan in Kwande local government area.

In the first attack, which was reported to have happened Saturday, 19 farmers who were returning to their village were killed along Kashimbila road and their bodies were thrown into River Katsina-Ala.

A resident from Mbadura who did not want to be named said, “The farmers were returning to their community in Mbadura ward when they were ambushed along Kashimbila road and killed.”

The second attack, which occurred Monday afternoon at Boagudu in Kumakwagh council ward in the same local government, was said to have claimed three lives.

It was gathered that residents of the communities within the area have fled to Jato Acka for safety.

The President General of Mzough U Tiv Worldwide Comptroller of Prison, Iorbee Ihagh (rtd), confirmed the killings.