From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
At least, six people were gruesomely murdered and many others reportedly injured during an attack by suspected herdsmen on two communities in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, on Wednesday night.
The attack, which was said to have left several others with gunshot and machete wounds, occured at Tse Ngojov and Tse Valem Yaweh of Mbagum community in Tombo council ward of Logo LGA of the state, at about 9pm, that fateful day.
A community leader from the area, Elder Joseph Anawah, who spoke to newsmen on telephone, yesterday, disclosed that the attackers, suspected to be herdsmen, stormed the two communities unexpectedly, and started shooting sporadically in all directions.
He said the commotion that ensued made many people run helter-skelter for safety, during which many villagers were killed and others either shot or machetted.
Anawah, who also sent gory pictures of the attack to newsmen, said those who lost their lives in the attack include Ander John, Vihior Mtomga, Morgan Varem, Saaior Uyoosu, Aondoyima Tarbo and Peter Asondo. He added that those who were injured and currently receiving treatment at the Primary Health Care (PHC) facility at Ayilamo in Logo LGA include Igbaule Valem, Chiater Tarbo and Mrs Terngu Tyavkase Usue.
When contacted, Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security, Col. Paul Hemba (retd), who confirmed the incident, disclosed that the Council Chairman, Salome Tor, had earlier briefed him on the development.
He said the governor had directed that the wounded be moved to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), while arrangements should be made immediately for the burial of the deceased victims.