Governor Alia condemned the killings while reacting to development and condoled families of Wa- ndoo community over the incident
Attack on Wa-ndoo community, Mbalom in Gwer- East Local Government Area by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen has left more than 20 people including children dead, with thousands fleeing the area.
An eyewitness who confided in our correspondent on grounds of anonymity gave names of those that lost their lives to include Peter Tion, Nyityo Kyoon, Iorfa Ukombor, Doopinen Awua, Tyoshaa Mkaanem, Asan Ate, Asough Ate, Terzungwe Asoo Ate, MWO Mbatsavbun Gbatar (rtd), John Ndahagh Tyohemba, Tertsea Ukombor, Akuma Kpenge, Abume Kpenge, Igba Byuan, Master Ter Byuan, Terzungwe Aulugh and little boy whose name is not yet known at the time of this report.
The eyewitness also a fleeing victim said the herders who were heavily armed invaded Wa-ndoo community, Thursday, at about 7:00 pm without any provocation killing scores with others sustaining various degrees of injuries while properties were destroyed and food carted away by the criminals.
Governor Alia condemned the killings while reacting to development and condoled families of Wa- ndoo community over the incident.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, made available to journalists, assured the people of Benue that his government would not sleep until the armed herders perpetrating the heinous crimes are caught and brought to justice.
He recalled with sadness that the criminals where given an ultimatum to leave the state as well as an order to those practicing open grazing in the state to comply with the law or leave the state within 14- days, expressing worry why the ultimatum has expired and the herders are still in the state killing innocent citizens.