Makurdi — few hours after the invasion of Nzorov ward in Iyordye Akaahena village by Fulani herdsmen left scores dead, the marauders, yesterday, attacked Akuroko village in Guma Local Government Area, leaving about 34 dead.

Vanguard gathered from sources that fighting was still ongoing at Akuroko village.

According to sources, "they came from neighboring Nasarawa State, this (yesterday) morning in their numbers as usual, armed with sophisticated weapons and invaded Akuroko village. They were shooting and burning any structure in sight.

"A lot of people have been displaced, some killed, many injured and lots more are currently missing. But I cannot tell you the exact figure of those that may have been killed until we are able to know the condition of people.

"But for now I can say that about 34 persons have lost their lives in this attack with many sustaining serious injuries.

"In fact, our major worry is the threat by the invaders that they would continue to invade our communities until they take over Gbajimba, the local government headquarters.

"We are disturbed because it seemed the police in Gbajimba have been overwhelmed by the persistent attacks on communities in Guma Local Government Area. From all indications, no where is safe anymore in the area."

Chairman of Guma Local Government, Mr. Frank Adii, confirmed the attack to Vanguard.

He said: "As I speak to you, fighting is still raging in that village which has recorded about 10 deaths, while others who sustained injuries are currently receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital."

The Chairman who said he had already contacted the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Airborne Brigade, Makurdi, for assistance regretted that the Police in Gbajimba seemed helpless.

When contacted, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala, said he was yet to be briefed on the latest crisis in Guma council.

Former Benue State Head of Service, Mike Iyordye, whose house was burnt down in Friday's attack, confirmed the latest attack, but regretted that he could ascertain the level of killings and destruction in Akuroko because of the terrible condition of the leading to the village from Makurdi.
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JOS, Nigeria — A military spokesman says soldiers killed more than 100 gunmen blamed for ethno-religious clashes started by cattle rustling in central Nigeria.

Maj. Gen. Henry Ayoola said the military went on the offensive after 28 civilians were killed last week. Community leaders put the toll at up to 70 civilians. They said Fulani herdsmen who are Muslim attacked Tarok farmers who are Christian. A Fulani leader said the trouble started with the theft of more than 300 Fulani cows.

Ayoola told reporters Wednesday that soldiers tracked down the attackers and killed scores in shootouts. Nigeria's military is accused of indiscriminate killings, charges they deny.

Violence in the area around the Plateau state capital, Jos, is a complex mix of religion, tribe, politics and land rights. Thousands have been killed since 1999.

Standing5:
I had to ask because the fulanis have match Boko Haram in the number of innocent people killed in the past four years. Here they go again . . .


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