Martins Olasehinde
Armed bandits suspected to be herdsmen invaded two communities in Nigeria’s north-central state of Benue, killing over 12 people and abducted seven children.
The attackers reportedly sacked Yaav and Mbakyol council wards in Kwande local government area of the state, a local news outlet reported, citing a source.
A resident of Mbadura council ward, who is taking refuge in Jato-Aka after his area was deserted, told Leadership newspaper that the attackers abducted seven children with the oldest being 6 years, while the youngest being 2 years of age.
“The attackers invaded Yaav and Mbakyol councill wards of Turan community at about 4pm when most residents were at home with their families enjoying the cool breeze of the yuletide, killing 12, injuring scores, and abducted children while others were still mssing, the source – identified as Lawrence Akerigba said.
“On Christmas day evening, eight young boys who are also taking refuge in Jato-Aka town which is Yaav council wards were sent by their parents to bring some crops from the farm so as to prepare food for the family on the Boxing Day and on their way, they met the attackers who opened fire on them, killing one person while the remaining seven who escaped with gunshot injuries are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.”
According to him, there is sustained attack by bandits on the community after the burial of Wantaregh Paul Unongo.
He added that out of the five council wards in the Turan community, four have been deserted for over 10 years due to sustained attacks by bandits suspected to be armed herdsmen.
“I am from Mbadura Council ward here in Turan Community of Kwande LG, but all of us have left our communities, we are now taking refuge in Jato-Aka town for fear of the unknown, and it seems the government has totally forgotten that his people are going through hell here, nobody is coming to our rescue, no relief materials, even as many were celebrating we were just hearing and the sudden attack on the already traumatised communities,” he said.
“Our young people are combining the bushes around because as we talk now, many people are still missing including women and children, 9 corpses were picked at the scene of the attack while three were recovered from the surrounding bushes, search is still on and there is the likelihood that more corpses will be recovered.
“What we are calling for now is for the government to make our communities safe to enable us go back to our ancestral homes to continue with our farming to feed our families and pay our childrens school fees, because from all indications, it seems the security here are helpless. These bandits come with more sophisticated weapons, since yesterday 4pm and today almost 11am now no security personnel has come here to access the situation and give the people hope, those who lost their loved ones are just crying since yesterday.”
Akerigba gave the names of the slain victims to include Vanen Iorvihi, Mike Azege, Anyisa Akpa, Ausa Imbior, orwua Abur Hwande,.Iornumbe Tse, Zaki Ashivor Mbailuve Tyohemba, Terhemba Tyohemba Jim Ierkwagh and Ijeyol Ierkwagh.
He said the number was still counting, adding that the search team was still searching for those missing in the bush.
Police authorities in the state could not be reached for comments.
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