No fewer than nine farmers were killed after suspected herdsmen attacked two villages in Benue State on Friday.
An eyewitness account reported that the mayhem, which occurred on Friday afternoon in Ayilamo, located in Tombo ward of Logo Local Government Area, and Jato-Acka, Kwande Local Government Area, went on unabated despite the heavy presence of security personnel in the area.
Eyewitnesses reported that over 20 armed assailants stormed Jato-Acka in broad daylight, opening fire indiscriminately and killing six residents on the spot.
The attackers then proceeded to Ayilamo via the Ikyungwa axis, where they claimed the lives of three more individuals, including an officer of the state’s Livestock Guard.
Tyovenda Igyutu, a community leader, disclosed that Ayilamo could have been completely overrun if not for the swift response of soldiers and police operatives.
Lawrence Akerigba, a youth leader in Jato-Acka, also confirmed the incident, saying: “The invaders came around 4:00 pm, shot several people, and set houses ablaze.”
