Palpable fear has gripped the people of Mbagena, Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa communities in the Mchihi council ward of Katsina/Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, who are fleeing in droves following the attack by armed men suspected to be herdsmen that led to the killing of 13 farmers.
The Council Chairman Shaku Justin, who disclosed this to our correspondent through telephone conversation, explained that the gunmen, who are herders, invaded the community at about 7 pm when most members of the communities were already in their homes shooting sporadically at anyone in sight.
The Chairman said, “After the operation that lasted for over an hour, Thirteen corpses were recovered from the scene and the surrounding bushes. However, security personnel still combine the surroundings of the missing persons.
According to him, Seven persons who were severely injured who were first taken to a health facility in Abaji were all transferred to the General Hospital Katsina/Ala for improved treatment while scores were displaced.
He said, “I was joined by the representative of the Katsina/Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Solomon Wombo, to visit the affected areas to give the people assurance and hope and as well ensure them of adequate security to forestall further attacks, we are just arriving Katsina/Ala town.
“We also assess the level of destruction done by the herders who set an uncountable number of houses and food barns ablaze, and because our people were fleeing in droves, we decided to make emergency camps for the displaced populations at Abaji.
“So, for now, we have created Two emergency camps for the displaced populations at Abaji.”
Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed his profound condolences to the families of the casualties and the entire community of Kpav, particularly Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa, following the vicious attack by marauding armed herdsmen.
The Governor, in a statement through the Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, said the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes is a painful reminder of the challenges his administration encounters in the journey for peace and security in the state.
He says, “This measure of cruelty is extremely offensive and will not be countenanced”.
The Governor condemned the attack and described it as barbarous action in its strongest terms and reassured the people of Benue State that those responsible would be brought to book.
“In response to this misfortune, my government has already marshalled security forces to the afflicted localities, stating that enhanced security steps are being implemented to track the aggressors and forestall further incidents.”
“We are striving intently with local law enforcement and community leaders to ensure that our villages can reside in peace without fear of terrorism.”
“To the people of Benue State, we want to encourage you that your security is our top priority. We recognise the anxiety and fear that such incidents can produce, but we are committed to strengthening peace and security in our communities.”
“We will rise above this challenge and strengthen our willpower to protect our homes and loved ones.”
“We appeal to everybody to remain wary and report any doubtful activities to the authorities. Only through our concerted efforts can we achieve longstanding peace”.
The Governor extends his prayers for the lives of the deceased and calls upon all residents to stand banded together against brutality and insecurity.
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