Again, suspected Fulani herdsmen have killed no fewer than 16 residents of Mbaikyor village in Mbalom council ward, Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State.
The militias who invaded the community on Thursday night at about 8pm also burnt down houses, and all valuable items including foodstuffs in the village.
A resident of the community, Michael Ate, told our reporter on Friday that the Fulani militias did not spare anyone, adding that they killed both women, children, elderly and youths.
Describing the attack as ethnic cleansing, Ate said that no security agent intervened in the attack that lasted for about four hours.
He gave names of those killed in the attack as: Peter Tion, Nyityo Kyoon, Iorfa Ukombor, Doopinen Awua, Tyoshaa Mkaanem, Asan Ate, Asough Ate, Terzungwe Asoo Ate.
Others are MWO Mbatsavbun Gbatar (rtd), John Ndahagh Tyohemba, Tertsea Ukombor, Akuma Kpenge, Abume Kpenge, Igba Byuan, Master Ter Byuan, Terzungwe Aulugh and a little boy whose name is not yet known. “Four are my direct uncles,” Ate lamented.
According to him, “They (Fulani militias) came in yesterday night according to my remaining uncle who escaped. He said they came around 8pm. While they killed people, they also razed down the entire village.”
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack but didn’t provide details.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP. Anene Sewuese Catherine, who spoke to our reporter said operatives had been deployed to the conflict zone.
“Yes the Benue State Police Command received distress call on attack on Mbaikyor village in Mbalom council ward, Gwer local government area of the state.
“Police operatives were immediately deployed but I haven’t received any report from them about the attack. Once information is available we let the public know exactly what happened.”
