From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Severe attack on Yelewata town in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected Lukurawa bandits in the early hours of Saturday left not less than 200 persons believed to be Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and other Tiv farmers dead.
It also led to the burning of houses, stores and other valuable items, including food stuff worth billions of naira belonging to the victims.
A fleeing victim who spoke with AljazirahNigeria on Saturday in Makurdi, on condition of anonymity for fear of attack, wondered why the massacre happened on the day that the deadline issued by the Tiv Traditional Council to Fulani herdsmen to vacate Tiv land expired.
The fleeing victim said the terrorists believed to be foreign mercenaries who were initially camped in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, had recently relocated to Nasarawa State, specifically to Duma, Keana, Obi and Tunga in Awe Local Government Area for unknown reasons.
Reacting to the massacre in a statement on Saturday, leader of Benue Valley Farmers, Chief Denen Gbongbon revealed that his group had informed Benue and Nasarawa State governments, as well as traditional rulers about the impending attack as early as January, lamenting that his warning fell on deaf ears with no proactive action taken until the disaster occurred.
Gbongbon, in the statement, expressed frustration that he had even offered to provide more details to the authorities through his phone number +2347036349332, but his efforts were ignored.
While commiserating with those who lost loved ones in the dastardly attack, Gbongbon urged government at all levels to take responsibility for its failure to act on the warnings, as well as provide support to the affected communities.
When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet confirmed the invasion, but was silent on the number of casualties at the time of this report.
She said on getting the report, the police dispatched its tactical team to the town for reinforcement which responded swiftly to the attack, adding that some of the attackers were neutralised.
Edet also disclosed that some individuals lost their lives, while those that sustained injuries are receiving treatment.
She assured that the police is still in pursuit of the attackers and urged members of the public to remain calm as the situation has been brought under control.
