Herdsmen
Just about two weeks after six persons were reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Buruku Local Council of Benue State, seven more persons from one family in the Tombo area have been killed.
Narrating the ordeal to The Guardian yesterday, Chairman of the local council, Godwin Iorsue, said six members of a family were stocking oranges on their farm on Wednesday morning when some herdsmen came to the place with their cows.
Iorsue said the cows started feeding on the oranges and when one of the farmers complained, he was shot dead by one of the herdsmen while others stabbed the remaining six persons.
As stated by the council chairman, the matter has been reported to the divisional police officer, the police commissioner and the state government.
Iorsue said the crisis between farmers and herdsmen in Agatu may be replicated in Burutu if urgent steps are not taken to check incessant killings in the area, which he said has become a daily affair.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moses Yamu, confirmed that seven persons were killed in Wednesday’s clash, adding that one of the deceased is a Fulani herdsman.
The PPRO, however, said the Police Commissioner, Paul Yakadi, has already led some officers and men of the force to Buruku to ensure that peace returns to the community.
Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom has stated that the problem of clashes between farmers and herdsmen in the state would only end when armed elements among the herdsmen leave Benue.
Guardian