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FULANI HERDSMEN ATTACK BENUE COMMUNITY; OVER 30 PEOPLE KILLED
No fewer than 30 people were reportedly killed in Ayati village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State Thursday night.
Sources told journalists in a telephone chat on Friday that local bandits and suspected armed herders unleashed terror on the village.
Recall that the violent protest that led to the destruction of personal and government properties in the council a few weeks ago was as a result of the killing of 11 people in the Ayati community.
A resident of the community who did not want his name mentioned told our correspondent on Friday that bandits belonging to the Ayongou factional group in collaboration with Fulanis attacked and killed the innocent people Thursday night.
Corroborating this, a community leader in the council and one-time governorship aspirant in the state, Shima Ayati confirmed the attack and said that over 30 corpses have been recovered from the village.
Ayati who spoke in a telephone chat on Friday said, “What I heard is that some bandits received money from some herders to graze their animals in two council wards.
“As they were grazing, they came in conflict with farmers who ran to government. The government sent security who went and pursued the herders away. During the process, they burnt their (herders) makeshift tents.
“They (herders) became angry as they claimed to have given money for the land, so they went back to the bandits. The herders joined hands with the bandits to attack the village and massacre people.
“We have already gathered over 30 corpses. They are still searching.”
Meanwhile, the state police command spokesperson, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get details of the attack.
She said, “I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for briefing from officers on ground.”
