Fresh Attacks In Taraba and Benue cost 47 Lives

Not less than 47 people have been killed in fresh attacks in Taraba and Benue states. Many others sustained severe injuries. In Taraba State, 27 were killed a fresh violence at Nwonko village in Wukari Local Government Area of the state, while 20 were killed in Benue State. Sources revealed that the attack began at the early hours of the day leading to destruction of farmlands and other property worth several millions of naira. The member representing Wukari Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Daniel Gani, said most of the victims were women and children. He said “At the beginning, we thought the attackers were Boko Haram insurgents from Maiduguri because of their large numbers. But we discovered later that they were Fulani herdsmen.” The police spokesperson, Mr. Joseph Kwaji, confirmed the incident, but said nine people were killed.

Also, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded Anyiin in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State and killed 20 persons. A resident, who identified himself as Kume, said 20 bodies were counted after the attack. But the local government chairman, Mr. Kester Kyenge, said that 15 bodies were seen of the time of the last count. The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. John Bako, confirmed the attack, but said five bodies had been discovered so far while a search is ongoing for the others. A lawyer and activist, Sonia Ajoko, condemned the attack and urged the state government to assist the injured victims.