From ROSE EJEMBI, Makurdi
No fewer than 15 persons were feared killed in the early hours of Sunday at Ogwule-Ankpa in Agatu, Benue State when people suspected to be Fulani marauders invaded the area. The attack was coming four days after gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed 21 natives of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of neighbouring Plateau State.
Governor Gabriel Suswam expressed disappointment at the renewed invasion of 21 communities in spite of peace moves by the state government to end the ugly trend.
According to sources, many of the victims were murdered in their sleep between 4 am and 5 am when the gunmen stormed the villages.
Another source said the gunmen also invaded a mosque, killing four persons, with several others sustaining gun shot injuries. Houses and household items worth millions of naira were not spared also during the attack.
Governor Suswam who was accompanied by his deputy, Chief Stephen Lawani and security chiefs in the state were in Agatu yesterday on sympathy visit to the affected communities and to inspect the extent of destruction.
Speaking at the Catholic Church, Oshigbudu, following his visit to Enogaje, one of the communities, attacked by the marauders during previous onslaughts, the Governor lamented the incessant attacks on Benue people and urged the people to be security conscious and report suspicious movements to relevant security agencies.
He called on those who fled their villages in the wake of the crises to return home as adequate security will be provided for them.
Suswam who also promised to provide motorcycles to facilitate easy movement of security operatives in the area, made cash donations to many of the affected communities.
No fewer than 15 persons were feared killed in the early hours of Sunday at Ogwule-Ankpa in Agatu, Benue State when people suspected to be Fulani marauders invaded the area. The attack was coming four days after gunmen, suspected to be Fulani herdsmen killed 21 natives of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of neighbouring Plateau State.
Governor Gabriel Suswam expressed disappointment at the renewed invasion of 21 communities in spite of peace moves by the state government to end the ugly trend.
According to sources, many of the victims were murdered in their sleep between 4 am and 5 am when the gunmen stormed the villages.
Another source said the gunmen also invaded a mosque, killing four persons, with several others sustaining gun shot injuries. Houses and household items worth millions of naira were not spared also during the attack.
Governor Suswam who was accompanied by his deputy, Chief Stephen Lawani and security chiefs in the state were in Agatu yesterday on sympathy visit to the affected communities and to inspect the extent of destruction.
Speaking at the Catholic Church, Oshigbudu, following his visit to Enogaje, one of the communities, attacked by the marauders during previous onslaughts, the Governor lamented the incessant attacks on Benue people and urged the people to be security conscious and report suspicious movements to relevant security agencies.
He called on those who fled their villages in the wake of the crises to return home as adequate security will be provided for them.
Suswam who also promised to provide motorcycles to facilitate easy movement of security operatives in the area, made cash donations to many of the affected communities.
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