Panic As Suspected Herdsmen Kill 11 In Benue Christmas Day Attack

On Wednesday, December, 25, at least 11 people were reportedly killed when suspected herdsmen attacked the Ityuluv, Tse Azege, and Innyiev Ya communities in the Mkomon district of Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State.

According to residents of the affected communities, the invaders were reported to have stormed the communities when residents were celebrating the Christmas season.

One of the residents who identified himself as Terlumun, said, “The  terrorist herders came this afternoon (Wednesday) when the people were celebrating Christmas and invaded our communities, killing and burning houses.”

When contacted on Thursday, the President-General of the Tiv socio-cultural group known as ‘Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide,’ Iorbee Ihagh, confirmed the attack to our correspondent via a telephone conversation.

He said, “11 people were killed in the Christmas day attack on Mkomon district of Turan in Kwande LG. Some are still missing as I speak to you now.

“Our people were celebrating Christmas when the Fulani herdsmen invaded the communities and attacked the people.”

Ihagh said some council wards in the LG, particularly, Moon council ward, had long been sacked by the herdsmen.

He called on Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu to beef up security in the state.

Also, the governor’s Security Adviser on Internal Affairs and Security, Joseph Har, confirmed the attack but declined further comments.

He, however, referred our correspondent to the Director-General on Security, Gbamuam Jacob, for further information.

“It’s true. I was informed about the incident but I have forwarded the report to the Director-General on security. He’ll give you details,” Har said.

Efforts to get the DG were unsuccessful as his cellphone did not connect as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the spokesperson, Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, said she had yet to receive any reports about the incident.

“I’m yet to receive a report about that,” Anene said.