Pandemonium has rocked Benue state as herdsmen have carried out deadly attacks. About 81 people have been reported killed in two local governments of the state.
According to survivors and eyewitnesses of the herdsmen attacks; Turan, Mbagber, Yonov and Tombo communities in Logo were attacked on the same day while Varser in Ukum Local Government came under siege, leaving another 53 persons dead.
The traditional ruler of Logo, Chief Jimmy Meeme, while speaking to Channels Television on the invasion of rural communities said 70 persons were killed in six out of the 10 council wards in his domain.
He went on to say the attacks were carried out by herdsmen who were trying to occupy their territory for cattle grazing. This attempt was blocked by people of the communities, leading to attacks.
Several eyewitnesses also claim that Turan, Mbagber, Yonov and Tombo communities in Logo were attacked on the same day while Varser in Ukum Local Government came under siege, leaving another 53 persons dead.
Two people; a matron at a local clinic in Anyiin community, Kpadoo Asema, and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp manager, John Imenger spoke on the cruel treatment meted out and how the displaced persons were faring.
One of the IDPs in Anyiin camp, Aseer Yuam, grieved over the gruesome murder of her son by herdsmen in Tombo council ward while attempting to fetch food for his family from the farm.
On his part, the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, complained that security agencies have proved unable to arrest the perpetrators of the coordinated attacks.
However, the spokesman of the Benue state police command, ASP Moses Yamu, dismissed allegations of neglect of duty by security personnel. He insisted that only 22 deaths were recorded in Logo and Ukum local government areas.
The state coordinator of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Garus Gololo promised to track down those responsible for the attacks in Logo and Ukum.
The Bloomgist 