About 30 people were reportedly killed in Ayati village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State Thursday night.
Recall that the killing of about 11 people led to a violent protest which led to mass destruction of personal and government properties in the council a few weeks ago.
Sources told this reporter on telephone that local bandits and suspected armed herders unleashed terror on the village.
A community leader in the council and one-time governorship aspirant in the state, Shima Ayati confirmed the attack and said that over 30 corpses have been recovered from the village.
Ayati who spoke in a telephone chat said, “What I heard is that some bandits received money from some herders to graze their animals in two council wards.
As they were grazing, they came in conflict with farmers who ran to government.
He said the government sent security who went and pursued the herders away.
“During the process, they burnt their (herders) makeshift tents.
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They (herders) became angry as they claimed to have paid for the land.
The herders later joined hands with the bandits to attack the village and massacred people.”He stated
Reacting to the development, State Governor, Hyacinth Alia expressed deep sadness over the news of another unprovoked attack on Ayati settlement in Ukum Local Government Area where several people were reportedly killed.
His reaction was contained in a statement by his chief press secretary Tersoo Kula in which the Governor strongly condemned the attack on unarmed innocent citizens of the State by armed bandits.
He expressed deep concern that such a heinous act has continued in the state despite strong security presence and the regular dialogue sessions his administration has been holding with Stakeholders, and traditional rulers seeking the return of peace in Sankera.
The Governor called on security personnel to improve their surveillance and also ensure that vulnerable communities are not left unguarded while the government awaits the Judicial Commission of Inquiry to bring out its findings.
He condoled families that
lost their loved ones in the attack, saying his thoughts of comfort and prayers are with them and with the entire people of Ukum Local Government.
(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
