In Benue State, 15 people have reportedly been killed in renewed attacks on several communities by suspected armed herders in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.The attackers were reported to have invaded the Utange council ward on Friday and proceeded to Kpav, particularly Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa Saturday night and unleashed terror on the residents.
Several people were reported missing as of Sunday while many others were said to have fled the troubled communities.
Confirming the attacks on Sunday, the Chairman, Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, said 11 people were killed and seven others seriously injured.
He added, Several houses were burnt and foodstuffs destroyed, also adding that there was no provocation but the bandits have been carrying out these kilings over time.
The LG chairman said he and the member representing Sankera Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Solomon Wombo, were holding a meeting as of the time of this interview Sunday evening with the locals, making arrangements to purchase caskets and also settling hospital bills for the victims.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attacks and reassured the people of the state that those responsible would be made to face justice.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, said,the governor expresses his profound condolences to the families of the casualties and the entire community of Kpav, particularly Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa, following the attack by armed herdsmen.
He described the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes in the attack as a painful reminder of the challenges his administration encountered in the journey for peace and security in the state.
The governor further assured the people that his government had already marshalled security forces to the afflicted localities and promised to enhance security to track the aggressors and forestall further incidents.
