Herders Killed 5,138 in Benue in Eight Years – BSEMA

Herders Killed 5,138 in Benue in Eight Years – BSEMA

Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA) has alleged that suspected herders have killed about 5,138 people in various communities of the state since 2015.

Executive Secretary of the Agency, Dr Emmanuel Shior, who made the disclosure in Makurdi while interacting with journalists, also alleged that another 3,000 persons have been displaced in recent attacks by herders in Gwer West, Logo, Ukum and Kwande councils, while celebrating the defeat of Governor Samuel Ortom’s Senatorial bid.

He said that 18 out of 23 local government areas have been invaded by herdsmen with houses burnt and occupied with over two million people displaced.

“A few weeks ago, Benue communities were witnessing an influx of cattle with herdsmen on the ground that Ortom had lost the Senate bid and are celebrating the first victory. That is the end of the anti-open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law regime.”

The SEMA boss said he read in newspapers that a Fulani group were strategising for more action against the state; expressing the hope that the Benue government will not be deterred by a lack of support from the federal government and that the PDP governorship candidate, Titus Uba, will not renege on efforts put in place by Governor Samuel Ortom to fend for IDPs in the state.

Shior insists that over 10,000 Cameronians Refugees in the Kwande local Government area of the state are being protected by the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards against invading herdsmen attack.

By PRNigeria