More massacred in Nigeria's embattled Benue State

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (left) with his vice-president Yemi Osinbajo at the presidential villa on March 10, 2017. FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Two Catholic priests and 17 worshippers were killed by suspected herdsmen at Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area
• Furious House of Representatives summoned President Muhammadu Buhari
• The Arewa Consultative Foru (ACF) has also called on the government to investigate the killings

By MOHAMMED MOMOH
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Tension remains high in Nigeria’s embattled north central Benue State with more killings of unarmed civilians being reported.

At least 39 people, including two Catholic priests, had Wednesday been reported killed in less than 72 hours by gunmen.

The latest attacks were carried out in Guma Local Government Area, where several people were injured and over 160 houses and farmlands destroyed.

A retired Permanent Secretary in Benue State Public Service, confirmed the attacks and said: “In my village, Umenge, they did not kill anybody because the people had already fled but they razed over 50 houses.’’

Suspected herdsmen

“But in the council ward itself, over 15 persons were killed in the attack which commenced late Tuesday till early Wednesday, though the number might increase because the search for more bodies is still ongoing.”

The two Catholic priests and 17 worshippers were killed by suspected herdsmen at Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area on Sunday.

Furious House of Representatives on Wednesday summoned President Muhammadu Buhari to explain the killings and also passed a vote of no confidence on the security chiefs.

The Federal Government has set up a panel to investigate the killings by herdsmen, especially in Benue State.

The heinous crimes

The Benue State Police Commissioner, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said he was yet to get details of the attacks.

The northern socio-cultural organisation, Arewa Consultative Foru (ACF), has also called on the government to investigate the killings.

ACF spokesman Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, said the Federal Government must ensure that perpetrators of the heinous crimes were brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

The General Officer Commanding the Army's 82 Division, Major-General Adamu Abubakar, on Wednesday visited the 77 Special Forces Battalion in Makurdi in connection with the security challenges in Benue State.