No fewer than 11 persons were reportedly killed on Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25 – in a fresh attack on some communities of Nyiev-ya in Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
It was gathered that the incident took place while the people were busy celebrating Christmas with their loved ones.
A local who didn’t want to be named for fear of victimization told newsmen on phone that they received a distress message that “Nyiev-ya is on fire.”
“The terrorist herders came this afternoon (December 25), and invaded Ubutu and GSS Anwase, killing and burning houses,” the source said.
“Daniel Jam’s son was killed by the terrorists. Pray for our community for God’s and government’s intervention.”
While the killing was going on in Tse Azege community, another resident also informed that an attack was also going on in Ityuluv, in Nyiev-ya community.
He said: “If there is anything the chairman or the government will do, let it be fast. The news coming from Kwande is still not pleasant. The terrorist herders have continued with their onslaught against our people today, (December 26).”
The President General of Mzough U Tiv, (MUT) Worldwide, CP Iorbee Ihagh rtd who hails from Kwande LGA said he contacted the community head in the area who confirmed the attack saying that several people were killed on Christmas day in an unprovoked attack by violent herdsmen.
“The attack was unprovoked but the attackers, who were herdsmen, invaded the communities and attacked the people. Many are still missing. Leaders of the affected communities have reported the attack at the police station.”
Another native, Solomon Amande whose community was affected, confirmed the death of 11 persons, alleging that the killings were carried out by a combined team of armed herders and militia groups.
As at the time of filing this report on Thursday – yesterday, December 26, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive the report of the attacks.
