Terrorists kill 12 adults, injure scores without deterrence
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Terrorists have unleashed more violence and fear on Yaav and Mbakyol communities in Kwande Council in Benue with suspected armed herdsmen killing more than 12 people, injuring scores of others, and abducting seven children in latest incursions.
A resident of now deserted Mbadura taking refuge in Jato-Aka, Lawrence Akerigba, disclosed in a telephone conversation that the terrorists abducted seven children whose ages range from two to six years.
“The attackers invaded Yaav and Mbakyol councill wards of Turan community at about 4pm when most residents were at home with their families enjoying the cool breeze of the Yuletide, killing 12, injuring scores, and abducted children while others were still missing,” Akerigba recounted to Leadership.
“On Christmas day evening, eight young boys who are also taking refuge in Jato-Aka town, which is in Yaav council wards, were sent by their parents to bring some crops from the farm so as to prepare food for the family on the Boxing Day and on their way, they met the attackers who opened fire on them, killing one person.
“The remaining seven who escaped with gunshot injuries are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.”
Akerigba also disclosed that there are sustained attacks on the community after the burial of Wantaregh Paul Unongo, adding that out of the five council wards in Turan community, four have been deserted for over 10 years due to onslaughts carried out by bandits suspected to be herdsmen.
“I am from Mbadura council ward in Turan community of Kwande LG, but all of us have left our communities, we are now taking refuge in Jato-Aka town for fear of the unknown, and it seems the government has totally forgotten that this people are going through hell here.
“Nobody is coming to our rescue, no relief materials, even as many were celebrating we were just hearing and the sudden attack on the already traumatised communities.
“Our young people are combining the bushes around because as we speak now, many people are still missing including women and children. Nine corpses were picked up at the scene of the attack while three were recovered from the surrounding bushes. The search is still on and there is the likelihood that more corpses will be recovered.
“What we are calling for now is for the government to make our communities safe to enable us go back to our ancestral homes to continue with our farming to feed our families and pay our children’s school fees, because from all indications, it seems the security operatives here are helpless.
“These bandits come with more sophisticated weapons, since yesterday 4pm and today almost 11am now, no security personnel hacw come here to access the situation and give the people hope, those who lost their loved ones are just crying since yesterday.”
Akerigba gave the names of the victims to include Vanen Iorvihi, Mike Azege, Anyisa Akpa, Ausa Imbior, Abur Hwande, Iornumbe Tse, Zaki Ashivor, Mbailuve Tyohemba, Terhemba Tyohemba, Jim Ierkwagh, and Ijeyol Ierkwagh.
He, however, said the number is still counting as the search team continues to look for those still missing in the bush.
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