Suspected herdsmen ambush, kill 5 in Benue

From Uche Nnorom Makurdi

At least five persons were reportedly killed Sunday night by suspected herdsmen in Umenger, Guma local government area of Benue state.
An eye witness who managed to escape the attack told our reporter on grounds of anonymity, that the herdsmen laid ambush on the people who had gone home to check their burnt houses.
Confirming the killing, the Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Matters Col. Paul Hemba Rtd, however, said only two persons, a man and woman were killed by the herdsmen.
He explained that the villagers had gone to check their burnt houses and were returning when the herdsmen laid ambush and murdered them.
“The villagers were on a bike and heading to Umenger which is close to Gbajimba that houses headquarters of Exercise Ayem A’Kpatuma when the Fulani herdsmen who have occupied the area hid on a hill and attacked them.
“The motorcycle rider managed to escape but the occupants could not as they were murdered. The Police in the area complained that they do have functional patrol vehicle to pursue the attackers. The bodies of the deceased have deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital,” Col Hemba said.
He also disclosed that the soldiers have planned to carry out an operation in the area to fish out the herdsmen.
When contacted on phone, Commissioner of Police, Benue State Fatai Owoseni who said he is away to Abuja, averred that nothing was reported to the Police yesterday but he has instructed the Police Public Relations Officer ASP Moses Yamu to confirm the incident and take necessary action.