How Herdsmen Murdered 7 Villagers in Buruku

It was a black weekend for the people of Tombo in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State when marauding herdsmen shot and killed seven farmers over a minor disagreement.

The Fulani herdsmen, THISDAY learnt, were accused of grazing on the farmers farms when they were asked to leave the area but rather than doing so, they turned back to attack the farmers which resulted in the death of the seven persons

Confirming this Saturday on phone, the State Police command spokesman, ASP Moses Yamu said the incident occurred at about 3pm. He said several properties have been destroyed while many people have fled the area.

Yamu disclosed that the Commissioner of Police Paul Yakadi led a team to ascertain the cause of the renewed clash and level of destruction in the area.
It should be noted that this is the second attack on Buruku local government area by the herdsmen, who have also invaded Logo and Agatu leading to the displacement of thousands of persons.

Meanwhile, former Senate President, Senator David Mark has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and reconstruct Agatu Local Government Area following the devastation caused by Fulani herdsmen in the area.

Mark made the call in continuation of his peace mission in an aftermath of the Agatu massacre which reportedly claimed hundreds of lives and properties. He also cautioned against reprisal attacks by the Agatu people even as he urged them to return home.

Government, he said, is making necessary efforts to find lasting solution to the lingering crisis for peace to reign.

Addressing his constituents separately in Oshigbudu, Ugbokpo and Idekpa in Agatu, Apa and Ohimini local government areas of the state yesterday, Senator Mark urged the survivors of the massacre now scattered in various parts of the state to return to their ancestral homes as security has been beefed up.
Mark pleaded with the state and federal governments to intervene by rebuilding the war ravaged communities as well as rehabilitating the survivors to resume their farming businesses.

He however asked the invaders believed to be Fulani herdsmen to halt further destruction of farm crops and other economic trees belonging to the Agatu people.

A worried Mark stated, “It is sad enough that scores of lives have been lost. But the continued destruction of the peoples’ crops and other economic trees is inhuman and unacceptable. I cannot rationalise the justification for the massive killings and destruction of properties.

“The government has promised to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the hostilities. I’m sure truth would be unearthed and both parties could find a common ground for peace and harmonious coexistence”, he added.

Senator Mark used the occasion to express appreciation to his constituents for voting for him during the rerun election in spite of the hostilities and obvious intimidation from certain quarters. To this end, he promised to continue to promote and defend the interest of Idoma people no matter the odds.

In separate remarks, Benue state chairman of the PDP, Dr. Emmanuel Agbo and former minister of Interior, Abba Moro implored the people to champion the cause of peace and unity needed to bring develop to the state.

The traditional rulers in Ohimini local government area led by Chief John Ochai, the Ada Ohimini earlier conferred the title of ‘Ogomola K’ Ohimini’ (meaning the defender of the people) in recognition of his meritorious services to the community and nation in general.