In Makurdi, suspected armed herders killed eight persons in a second attack on the neighbourhood next to the Abagana camp for internally displaced people.
According to reports, the murderers beheaded and removed the heads of the victims, which included a six-person family. Three of the eight other wounded people are in critical condition.
The attack, which happened on Thursday night after the community had gone to bed, is the second in the past two years to target the Abagana IDP camp, where hundreds of people have been displaced since armed herdsmen attacked and killed 73 people in the state’s Guma and Logo local government areas in January 2018.
The hunt for survivors or further bodies is still going on, according to Colonel Paul Hemba (ret. ), the special adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on security issues, who spoke to our correspondent in Benue State.
Colonel Hemba stated that women and children were among those slain in the incident, which happened on Thursday at around 9:30 p.m. For medical attention, the injured have been taken to the hospital.
He sent a message that said, “Last night about 2100 hours, suspected fulani bandits attacked Abagana opposite the IDP camp. Eight bodies, including women and children, have so far been found, and eight other people who were critically hurt had to be sent to the hospital for treatment. Some of the bodies had their heads removed after being beheaded. More victims are still being sought in the bushes.
The deceased family members were the father, mother, and four children; two additional dead were found en route.
Colonel Hemba stated that “a man with his wife and four children were all wiped out in the attack,” adding that “three other victims were shot and may not survive the injuries in the chest.”
Police have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the assault.
