Monarch: Herdsmen kill 310 people in Benue, injure 13

Cephas Iorhemen, MAKURD

A paramount ruler in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue and the Ter Tyoshin II, His Royal Highness, Chief Daniel Ayua Abomtse yesterday revealed that at least 310 people had been killed by suspected herdsmen militia in his domain and 13 others injured in 39 different attacks.

The killings, according to the Monarch, occurred within the period of nine years from 8^th February, 2011 to 2d April, 2019.

Chief Abomtse, who disclosed this, while interacting with the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, Naka, headquarters of the local government, said that his subjects were still in pains.

He wondered why herdsmen would invade his domain in the name of grazing only to kill, maim and occupy the peoples’ land.

The paramount ruler noted that the continual attacks and destruction of rural communities of the state by the herders called for concerted efforts by all to address the issue.

Abomtse, who challenged the new exco of the union to leave legacies behind for others to emulate, noted that the union needs a conducive environment to operate. He said   that if journalists fail in their duty, the whole world will collapse.

The state chairman of NUJ, Comrade Victoria Asher, said they were in his palace to condole with the Ter Tyoshin over the frequent attacks on his people by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Comrade Asher, who prayed God to give the traditional ruler the wisdom of King Solomon to rule over his people, encouraged him not to relent in his efforts at resisting the invasion and takeover of the people's ancestral land.

The NUJ chairman assured him that the union will continue to partner with his palace in the area of publicity to attract attention to the plight of his people.