The recent killings in the Ikyande community in the northern part of Nigeria again, 12 people have been feared killed after suspected armed herdsmen on Thursday evening, attacked two communities of Ikyande and Mbapa in Gwer West LGA of Benue State.
An impeccable source who hails from the area told newsmen that the coordinated attacks on the two communities were carried out while the people were working on their farms.
He added that there are fears that some persons were also abducted during the attack as several locals were yet to be seen after the invasion.
While noting that the remains of some victims have been recovered in Ikyande, our source said the casualty figure in Mbapa was yet unknown as it is difficult to access the area due to bad terrain.
He listed the names of those whose bodies had been recovered from Ikyande as Torhile Jir, Akura JoJo, Simon Shenge, Shenge’s Child, Nyitamen’s Son, Nyitamen’s Son and six other yet to be identified victims.
When contacted by telephone, Gwer West Council boss, Mrs. Grace Igbabon confirmed the attack however could not give the number of those that were killed.
“We have dispatched some policemen to go and ascertain the exact number of people involved. You know the road is not good and vehicles can’t go there. So, the DPO sent his men on motorbikes to go and confirm the actual number of people killed before we say anything about it.
“It happened in Mbapa and Ikyande. When the policemen are back, then we can make an informed statement,” Igbabon stated.
Meanwhile, efforts were to get the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene to confirm the report as she was yet to respond to calls at the time of this report.
Report From Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
