By Sunday Ogli, Makurdi
Suspected armed herders have invaded Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa, Ugbaam community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, killed six farmers and injured several persons while a number of others are missing.
Our correspondent gathered that five persons were killed on Friday, while one person was killed on Saturday evening in the area with many others still missing.
The attack which took place on Friday according to a source from one of the affected communities who pleaded anonymity, happened when some cattle stray into farmlands and destroy yams.
The source said the development angered some youths of the area, who mobilized and went after the cattle and the owners.
“As the youths were going after the cattle, the armed herders who had laid ambushed began to shoot sporadically thereby killing many of them.
“So far, six dead bodies have been recovered as at today (Sunday), while many others are still missing .
“When we got information about the attack, we quickly informed men of Nigeria Army who were stationed at a village called Wuaze, which is a few metres away from the scene of the attack.
“We put phone calls to the soldiers as the attack was going on, but when the Army were approaching the scene of the attack, they discovered that the presence of the herdsmen overwhelmed theirs. So the soldiers have to turn back to their camp.
“Tse Ugema community is just a few kilometres to Zaki-Biam International Yam Market in Ukum LGA.
When contacted, the Executive Chairman, Ukum LGC, Mr. Jonathan Modi, confirmed the attack, saying he was on his way to the scene of the incident and promise to call back.
