‘Fulani Herdsmen’ Attack on Benue Community, 12 Reported Dead

‘Fulani Herdsmen’ Attack on Benue Community, 12 Reported Dead

The Benue state police command on Saturday confirmed that there was an attack on Tarfi village in Buruku local government area of the state late Friday night. The attack was allegedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen.

The police command spokesman, ASP, Moses Yamu, told Vanguard the police recorded five deaths from the incident, adding that the command was on top of the situation.

Yamu said, “Yes I can confirm the attack on Tarfi village, Binnev Ward, in Buruku Local Government Area of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen; so far we have a record of five deaths, two persons were killed in the village but three others who sustained injuries in the attack died on their way to the hospital.”

Members of the community however have different claims concerning the number of deaths recorded in the attack which came at a time many had thought the rampage was under control. According to the villagers, at least 12 people died while many others sustained varying degree of injuries. Some others remain missing.

One villager said, concerning the attack, “This time they stormed Tarfi village, Binnev Ward, in Buruku late last night (Friday) at about 11pm, in a  commando fashion shooting and killing anything that stood in their way.

“It was a well coordinated attack. They marched through the village burning down houses and huts, farmland, food barn and any property that belonged to the indigenous people.”

A large number of the villagers including women, children and the elderly, have now reportedly fled their homes, trekking long distances to seek a safe place to hide, while the intruders have gone into hiding though their cows are still grazing in the village.