Gunmen kill 7 Cameroonian refugees in Benue

Information available indicates that the ongoing conflict in Cameron forced people of Oriti and Undir to crossover to the border communities where they were granted asylum in Mbakwekyaa and Uter communities

Confusion has ensued in some refugee camps hosting Cameroonians following an attack by unidentified gunmen suspected to be their rivals that chased them out of Cameron to Nigeria where they were taking refuge; a situation that has led to casualties and more displacement of people including the host communities.

Information available indicates that the ongoing conflict in Cameron forced people of Oriti and Undir to crossover to the border communities where they were granted asylum in Mbakwekyaa and Uter communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State over five years ago.

It was further gathered that in a twist and without any provocation, the two host communities supposed to be appreciated by their show of love to their foreign visitors were rather attacked, their ancestral homes ravaged by the Cameroonians killing and burning houses, a situation that compelled both the indigenes and refugees to flee to Agbatse in Kyurav ya in the same local government area for safety.

A resident of the community who spoke on condition of anonymity described the attack and killings of innocent people as a spill-over effect of the ongoing conflict in Cameron, blaming the magnitude of casualties on poor road and communication network.

Presenting relief materials such as maize, gari, noodles and condiments among other materials to the victims, Acting Executive Secretary, BSEMA, James Iorpuu, disclosed that Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed that work should commence on Nyihemba- Tse- Gusa- Agbatse to Wuanune and that of Manyam – Tse Unongo village to ease movement.

He equally sympathized with the community particularly victims, promising to invite the International Organization for Migration, IOM, to carryout biometric data capturing of the displaced population for more intervention.

Spread the love

Leave a Reply