Alia vows justice as fresh herders’ attack kills 10 farmers

No fewer than 10 farmers were killed, several missing, while some others sustained varying degrees of injuries on Wednesday at Sai, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, following an attack on the community by suspected herdsmen.

A local, who identified himself as Iorlumun, told BusinessDay in a telephone interview that the attack, which took place in Mbajir Council Ward, was unprovoked.

According to Iorlumun, the assailants invaded the community in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1, opening fire on residents in a coordinated manner. The attack resulted in the death of 10 farmers, while many others are still missing and scores sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Iorlumun said, “So far, 10 corpses have been recovered by members of the community. After the attackers left the scene, most of the residents are combing the surrounding bushes in search of their loved ones.”

Recall that the latest attack and killing is coming barely five days after unknown assailants attacked and killed Ardo Risku Muhammed, the Benue State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, and one Yakubu Isah in Otukpo Local Government Area of the State.

The killing of the MACBAN State Chairman had triggered tension in some communities in the state, particularly in the Benue South Senatorial District.

Justine Shaku, the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government Council, confirmed the Sai attack in a telephone conversation and said he was yet to get the details of the attack.

He described the incident as an unexpected tragedy that occurred when relative peace was currently being enjoyed in the Katsina-Ala axis.

Shaku said, “I am on my way to the community with security operatives to assess the situation for further updates.”

Efforts to get a reaction from Udeme Edet, Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, failed as she was neither responding to text messages nor calls.

Meanwhile, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killing of farmers in Sai community, describing it as an ugly, cowardly, and senseless act of violence against innocent citizens, and called for urgent security intervention.

The Governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, ordered security agencies to immediately deploy to the area, hunt down the perpetrators, and restore normalcy to the affected communities.

Kula, in a statement, quoted Alia as referring to the killers as “enemies of progress who have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of the state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”

He extended his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy, adding, “My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention.”

“We pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Sai community during this period of immense grief.

“I urge the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and your livelihoods.

“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve.

“I want to urge security forces to deploy additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.

“Security personnel should launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of this heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law, and also ensure the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, guaranteeing that no further killings and disruption to agricultural activities occur,” he said.

Alia also called on citizens to remain calm but vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post, adding, “We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state.”