Twenty-four
residents were killed and 20 others feared missing after suspected herdsmen
struck again in Benue State Monday afternoon, residents have said.
Residents of Omusu and two nearby communities
in Okpokwu Local Government Area told Premium Times Tuesday night that the
attackers entered their villages around 4:00 p.m. Monday and carried out a
two-hour deadly assault.
Emergency officials described the attacks as
“very brutal” and said three villages were affected, with more than 2,000
displaced persons now desperate for relief materials.
“They killed people to their satisfaction
before they left,” said Attah Alexander, a resident of Omosu community. “It was
deliberate and there were no policemen around to stop them.”
The killings come as the state prepares to
receive President Muhammadu Buhari, who finally caved in to those
calling on him to pay condolence visits to victims of deadly
attacks that had left hundreds dead since he assumed office in 2015.
The attackers also struck despite the presence of Nigerian troops in the ongoing peace-keeping
exercise named ‘Ayem Akpatuma’ or ‘Cat Race’.
Many of those killed were identified as women
and children.
Mr. Alexander, who later joined in emergency
efforts, said he was amongst those who counted 24 bodies and moved the injured
to the hospital.
“Ten people were taken to the hospital with
several injuries from gunshots and cutlasses,” he said. “We’re still looking
for 20 people that we’re not sure if they’re dead in the bush or still alive
but missing.”
The three villages that were attacked include
Omusu, Okana and Okpilikpo, according to residents.
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