Heavily armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen invaded Vaase community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of today killing many of the residents.
Residents who spoke to www.icirnigeria.org shortly after the attack said over 10 people were killed while not less than 15 were injured.
Residents said suspected herdsmen stormed the villages at about 1:00 am when residents were asleep and started their killing mission.
“I was sleeping when I heard gun shots sporadically, it was in the middle of the night, there was nowhere to run to, I just managed to hide in the bush close to my backyard, and it was only God that saved some of us. But, this morning, when the day broke, we are still picking those who were killed. So far, we have discovered 10, while 15 are injured,” Said Terdoo Adam, a community leader.
Relations of one of the victims, Aondongu Akombu, also narrated how his younger brother, Torbunde was brutally killed by the suspected herders.
“We all went to sleep, and he was the last person left outside. Around 1:30 am, when gun shots were raging on, I hid somewhere with my two kids, I don’t even know where my wife went to. Suddenly, I heard a cry, but I was helpless. This morning we discovered he was the one gunned down, we rushed him to Zaki Biam, but it was too late,” he stated
Resident also said the invaders did not burn any house and did not destroy any property.
Moses Yamu, An Assistant Suprintendent and Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Benue Command, confirmed the development but said the command was still waiting for the details.
He promised to get back to www.icirnigeria.org as soon as he got more information.