By Israel Aderoju
Suspected armed herdsmen last weekend attacked communities in Guma LGA of Benue State, killing at least nine persons including traders, church attendees and the brother to the local government chairman of Guma.
The Benue State Police Command, however, claimed that only four lives were lost.
Chairman of the LGA, Caleb Aba, in a telephone interview with Vanguard Newspapers on Tuesday, said the armed herders attacked three different places and communities which started last weekend, including the kidnapped of his younger brother while on his way to the farm with four others.
Aba said, “On Friday last week, my younger brother went to the farm with four others in the outskirts of Gbajimba town, the Guma LGA to harvest rice when the attackers ambushed them on the farm. The other four ran and were not caught but he is the youngest among them and could not escape. They caught him.
“I have been following it until this morning when I learned he was killed. We have not recovered the body.
“I have been following it until this morning when I learned he was killed. We have not recovered the body.
“Also, on Sunday evening which was Gbajimba market day, the NKST church had their holy communion; so those who were coming from the church and those leaving the market were attacked by the armed herdsmen. Four people were killed and several others sustained injuries. They are presently receiving treatment in Gbajimba and the Air Force Base hospital in Makurdi.”
The Council boss added, “On Monday morning, they also invaded Ulever community and four people were killed in that attack.”
Meanwhile the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed that four people were killed while others sustained injuries. She said the Commissioner of Police visited the scene, adding that investigation is in progress.
