Christmas Day attack:Herdsmen kill 11 villagers in Benue

Suspected herdsmen on Wednesday killed no fewer than 11 people during an invasion of Ityuluv, Tse Azege and Innyiev ya communities in Mkomon district in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Residents of the affected communities claimed that the invaders stormed the communities when residents were celebrating the Christmas.

A resident, who simply 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.”

President-General of the Tiv socio-cultural group, ‘Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide,’ Iorbee Ihagh, confirmed the attack on Thursday.

According to him, “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 been sacked long ago by the herdsmen.

He appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu to strengthen security throughout the state.

Benue Governor’s Security Adviser on Internal Affairs and Security, Joseph Har, confirmed the attack but refused to speak further..

“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.

But the DG could not be reached on phone as of the time of filing this report.

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, said she had yet to receive any reports about the incident.

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