Ortom condemns killing of villagers by suspected herdsmen
Benue governor Samuel Ortom on Saturday condemned the attack on Tse-Angbande community near Makurdi by suspected herdsmen, killing four family members and left many injured.
Mr. Ortom who visited the village for an on-the-spot assessment said the attack which took place at about 11 pm on Friday, led to the death of the head and some members of the Akwa family – Mr Emberga Akwa, Innocent Akwa, Terhemba Akwa and an in-law identified as Orban.
The governor recalled that a few weeks ago, herders came without cattle and killed a husband and wife at Tse-Tyohemba, in the same axis of Makurdi, saying that security agents trailed and apprehended three of the assailants.
He added that seven persons were also injured and are at the Benue State Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, undergoing treatment.
The governor said the security operatives are doing their best, adding that his administration will re-strategise to mitigate the new pattern of attacks on the people.
According to him, the attackers who came without cattle, attacked the village, killed and injured some of them and ran away.
“We will meet with security agencies as a government and see how we can re-strategise on how we can handle this guerrilla attack on our people.
“Let me say that this will not be allowed. These are poor people struggling to earn a living through farming.”
He assured the people that security has been beefed up to ensure 24 hours vigilance in the area to prevent a recurrence of the ugly development and urged people to cooperate with security operatives.
Mr. Ortom further commended President Mohammadu Buhari for directing security agencies to deal with all those behind insecurity in the country.
Speaking to NAN, Patrick Ianna, 35, a villager, explained that it was after the shooting had subsided that they came back to discover dead bodies on the ground.
He said the Community had no differences with herdsmen, adding that herders are not even staying within their community.
Also, Helen Waku, another villager, told newsmen that she and her husband ran and abandoned their five children during the attack, but were lucky to find them alive and unhurt after the attack.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Sport
Ministry signs N35 billion MoU with firm for sports development
Mr Enoh said that the partnership would help to inject funding into sports development from the private sector.
Economy
Kerosene price stood at N1,354.40 in March: NBS
It said the South-South recorded the lowest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N1,273.07.
States
Gov. Ododo warns against breach of peace
My administration will no doubt resist any attempt to instigate violent protests in any part of the state under any guise
Heading 2
Okuama Killings: Senator commends DHQ for release of detained traditional ruler
The king was released on Friday by the Defence Headquarters after spending about three weeks in the military custody.
Heading 3
Court adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s N1 billion suit against FG for adoption of processes
Mr Benye said the instant suit was an abuse of court process.
Heading 5
Two die in Ilaro-Owode road crash
She said that a total number of seven people were involved, which comprised four men and three women.