A wave of violence has swept through several communities in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the loss of 12 lives and leaving numerous others injured.
The assailants, alleged to be Fulani herdsmen, carried out unprovoked attacks on Anyiin, Ayilamo, Iorza, Gbeji, and other areas, plunging the region into a state of fear and anguish.
The unsettling accounts from eyewitnesses reveal that the attacks commenced on a fateful Monday, claiming three innocent lives in the initial assault.
The violence escalated throughout the week, with additional casualties reported on Wednesday and Sunday, bringing the total death toll to 12.
The attackers, displaying a brazen lack of restraint, invaded houses and blocked major roads in broad daylight, perpetuating further bloodshed and chaos.
A source, who managed to escape the horrors unfolding in the affected communities, disclosed that the assailants, besides taking lives indiscriminately, seized the opportunity to extort money from helpless villagers.
The ruthless nature of the attacks and the apparent vulnerability of the victims underscore the urgent need for security measures to safeguard the defenseless residents of Anyiin and its surroundings.
Expressing deep concern, the fleeing eyewitness, who chose to remain anonymous, called upon the Benue State Government to intervene swiftly and provide the necessary security apparatus to protect the lives and property of those under siege.
The eyewitness lamented that the attacks had persisted for the last two weeks without adequate intervention from security operatives, raising questions about the efficacy of the current security measures in place.
Confirming the series of attacks, SP Sewuese Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, addressed journalists and assured the public that the command had deployed personnel to restore peace in the troubled communities.
SP Anene urged affected individuals to remain calm amid the prevailing tension, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to quell the violence and maintain order.
The resurgence of violence in Benue State underscores the ongoing challenges posed by clashes between herders and farming communities, raising urgent questions about the need for sustainable solutions to foster peaceful coexistence.
As the affected communities grapple with the aftermath of these attacks, the spotlight is once again on the delicate balance between security measures, community resilience, and the overarching imperative to protect lives and uphold the sanctity of human dignity.
