Benue: Herdsmen Attack Leaves 15 Farmers Dead, Scores Displaced
By Editor
Makurdi, Benue State – A fragile peace shattered overnight in Benue State as suspected Fulani herdsmen unleashed a brutal attack on Mbasombo, a farming community within the Gwer East Local Government Area. The late-night raid, occurring a mere seven-minute drive from the state capital, Makurdi, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 15 farmers, the displacement of numerous residents, and several individuals still unaccounted for.
Eyewitnesses describe a scene of terror as heavily armed assailants descended upon the village under the cloak of darkness. The attackers reportedly opened fire indiscriminately and set homes ablaze, plunging the community into chaos. The assault, which commenced late Wednesday night, triggered widespread panic, forcing terrified residents to flee into the surrounding bushes and neighboring settlements in a desperate bid for safety.
“The situation here is dire,” a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted. “They came in the night and just started shooting. People were running everywhere, trying to save their lives. Our homes are burned, and we’ve lost so many loved ones.”
The attack has reignited concerns over escalating violence between herders and farmers in the region, a long-standing issue that has plagued Benue State. Local authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but sources indicate that security agencies have been deployed to the area to assess the situation and restore order.
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for a lasting solution to the persistent conflict, which continues to claim lives and displace communities in Benue State. The impact of the attack extends beyond immediate casualties, disrupting agricultural activities and threatening food security in the region.
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