Death Toll In Benue Attack Rises To 38

Three more corpses were recovered from the bush yesterday by community members searching for missing persons after an attack by armed men suspected to be herdsmen on Yaav and Mbadura wards in Turan community of Kwande local government area of Benue State.

A community member, Orduen Akough who spoke to our correspondent, said many people were still missing as at yesterday and during search, three more corpses were recovered and buried immediately while one of the several injured persons taken to Makurdi had died, bringing the casualty figure to 38.
Akough said an unconfirmed number of persons who sustained injuries were receiving treatment in different hospitals in Jato-Aka, Adikpo and Makurdi.

The chief medical director of Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Dr Stephen Hwande who confirmed this while conducting the permanent secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency in the wards said four were responding to treatment.

Dr Hwande assured that they would ensure their quick recovery and commended SEMA for the visit and taking up the responsibility of their medical bills and feeding.

Responding, Sir Iorpuu expressed satisfaction with the quality of treatment being rendered to the patients and the care.

He said relief materials had been sent to the displaced people taking refuge in Ibogundu community while motorcycles that were burnt by the herdsmen had been replaced.

During the visit, Sir Iorpuu conveyed the governor’s commitment to ensuring that all medical expenses and feeding costs for the victims are fully covered by the state government. He further assured them that measures were being put in place to prevent a recurrence.

He said, “The Benue State government remains resolute in its efforts to protect citizens and provide immediate relief to those affected by conflicts and disasters.”

One of the victims, Tersugh Kyereve who spoke with our correspondent thanked the state government for taking care of them in the hospital and appealed for adequate security to prevent further attacks.