Unrelenting Terror: Fulani Herders Cut Down over 200 Souls in Benue State

Strategic Insights -

Disturbing incidents of genocidal attacks by suspected Fulani herders have left a trail of death and destruction in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, cutting down over 200 souls in cold blood. The attacks, which occurred less than 48 hours after the killing of 25 people in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA, have sparked widespread outrage and calls for decisive action from the government. As the death toll continues to rise, with reports of 12 more bodies recovered from bushes in Agu-Amed autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu Local Government Area of Enugu State, the situation remains dire, with many residents fleeing to neighboring states amid threats of further attacks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The attacks, which occurred in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue State, have resulted in the deaths of over 200 people, with many more injured.
  • The incidents are part of a long history of attacks by Fulani herders in Nigeria, which has been exacerbated by the failure of the government to secure life and property.
  • The current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been urged to take concrete action to address the crisis, including prosecuting the killer herders to the fullest extent allowed by law.
  • The Benue State government has been criticized for its inaction, with calls for the creation of a state police force and the establishment of a self-defense militia to protect the community.
  • The situation has been likened to a "climate of agony" pervading the state, with many residents fleeing to neighboring states amid threats of further attacks.
  • The Fulani Gan Allah Fulani Development Association (GAFDAN) has blamed the incident on alleged intolerance of the Benue State government, while other groups have condemned the attacks as "inhumane, ungodly, and a complete betrayal of our common values as human beings."
  • The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, have visited the state, promising to take the battle to the terrorists, but critics argue that visits are meaningless without concrete action.
  • The situation in Benue State has been likened to the Igangan massacre in Oyo State and the Ishieke massacre in Ebonyi State, with the death toll from herder attacks in Agu-Amed autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, rising to 12.
  • The Benue State government has been accused of throwing around nebulous accusations, with calls for Governor Hyacinth Alia to band together with his colleague governors to ensure the creation of a state police force.
  • The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr George Akume, has called for leaders, traditional institutions, and key stakeholders to come together to forge a path toward lasting peace and security.

Statistics:

  • Over 200 people have been killed in the genocidal attacks in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue State.
  • The death toll from the herder attacks in Agu-Amed autonomous community in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has risen to 12.
  • Reports indicate that many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and farmers were butchered in the attacks, with some incinerated alive in makeshift shelters.
  • Goods worth millions of naira were also burnt during the attack.

Sources:

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