By Yemi Adedeji, Abuja
Despite warnings by Samuel Ortom, Governor of Benue State of imminent attacks on communities in his state, 5,000 residents of Chille Island, Mbatoho in Makurdi Local Government Area, were sacked on Tuesday by suspected herders of cattle.
Recounting the ordeal of the residents of the community who marched to the office of the deputy governor of the state, Benson Abouno, John Terhemen, leader of the community, alleged that the herdsmen stormed the area shooting sporadically into the air and ordered the residents to vacate their homes.
Terhemen said the herdsmen who were well armed with sophisticated weapons, ordered them to vacate their homes for them to occupy and graze their cattle.
“They did not harm anyone, nor did they burn down our homes. The herdsmen simply asked us to leave,” he said.
Responding, the deputy governor told the residents that the state government also got the report of the invasion of Chille Island by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Abounu who said the government was trying to determine the veracity of the story, added that he had directed Paul Hemba, new Special Adviser on Security to visit the area and determine the next line of action.
“The people said the Fulani herdsmen have sacked them, and it is just across the river in Makurdi town. But I have sent the Special Adviser on Security to go there and determine the authenticity of the story. Until that is done, then we will know the next action to take,” Abounu said.
When contacted, the state Commissioner of Police Taiwo Awoseni said he was informed of the attack but was yet to verify it.
“We have received a report on the attack,” Awoseni said to pressmen on the phone.
He added that the police swung into action to investigate the crisis.
In a related development, the Benue State Government has stated that an alleged member of the Benue Livestock Guards who was arrested in Ukum Local Government Area by the military for cattle rustling and gun running is not a member of the guards.