Suspected armed herdsmen have once again launched a fatal attack, leaving 18 dead in Iye community of Uvir Council Ward in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack occurred barely two days after an attack on Akpete village in Apa Local Government Area where six people were reportedly killed.
These attacks follow recent violence in Guma LGA, where six people including three personnel of the State Community Volunteers Guards and a hunter were killed. The latest incident saw attackers storm the community on a market day, killing indiscriminately and resulting in heavy casualties.
Christopher Waku, the local government’s security officer, confirmed the attack with a statement that 18 people had been killed. The state Commissioner of Police, Julius Okoro, while confirming the attack, stated that the information on the attack was still sketchy but that seven bodies had been recovered and one attacker had been killed.
A resident, who lost a relative but preferred to remain anonymous, said, “Eighteen people, including my brother, were killed while many others were injured with several houses burnt down.” He also revealed that his family members had sought refuge at Iye after being displaced from going to Tse-Orvihi, Uvir Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area.
These recent attacks have once again raised security concerns in the region, with many calling on the government to do more to protect the people.
