At least 15 people are feared killed in a fresh attack attributed to suspected Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria’s central Benue state.
On 17 March, unidentified armed men stormed Tombo, in Buruku, killing residents, setting fire to properties and then taking over the deserted villages, an eye-witness told Nigeria’s Vanguard Media.
“As I speak with you, the people are shooting sporadically, and the villagers are fleeing for fear of being killed,” he said. “The situation in Tombo at the moment is scary and we are helpless. It’s as if we are in a war situation where the mission of the invaders is to occupy and take over our villages.
“Corpses are littering the community, though one cannot give a specific number of the dead, which should not be less than 15. But I know that the casualty figure could be huge because many have been wounded as bullets continue to fly around.
“The people are also burning down houses, farms and [crops], as they move into the villages, in what looks like a well-coordinated attack.”
The police confirmed the incident occurred at about 3pm on Thursday, but said that seven people had been killed.
The attack is the latest in Benue State, following the recent attacks in Agatu and Logo, where hundreds died after the incursion of Fulani herdsmen.
Source: Vanguard