On Wednesday night, the Tombo community in the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State fell victim to an assault by armed herdsmen, leading to the deaths of a man, his son, and three others, while injuring many more.
Mama Mbaihembe Kwaghkuma, a community member and one of the attack’s victims, recounted to ELANZANEWS that the herdsmen launched their violent strike under the cover of darkness, catching residents off guard.
Kwaghkuma detailed that the attack targeted Ayilamo town, where many residents had sought refuge, fleeing from their villages in anticipation of safety. The community was blindsided by the assailants’ incursion.
Witnesses confirmed that the local youth bravely banded together to confront the attackers, armed only with hunting rifles.
Reports indicated that women and children from the community, desperate for help, approached soldiers stationed nearby to report the assault. They faced intimidation when the soldiers threatened to open fire, yet they remained resolute, expressing that they would rather face death than allow their loved ones to be murdered without intervention.
Further inquiry revealed that the soldiers claimed the local monarch had instructed them not to pursue the herdsmen. This information infuriated the community’s women and children, who then marched to the residence of Mue Ter Ipusu Chief Enoch Nyikyaa Ikuumen, armed with sticks, expressing their intent to confront him for perceived betrayal.
Upon arrival, they found the chief absent and subsequently vandalized his property, demolishing his home and setting it ablaze in their anger.
In response to the unfolding crisis, newly inaugurated Logo Local Government Chairman Mr. Clement Kav visited the displaced residents at Ayilamo, promising to enhance security measures in the Tombo Council Ward to combat the ongoing insecurity.
Accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Logo and Security Secretary Mr. Daniel Imongiga, Kav also visited local hospitals treating the injured and the soldiers’ camp in Ayilamo to strengthen ties.
Community leaders, including Chief John Allah, Msugh Abughzwa, Hon. Usha Geri Tor-Geri, and Hon. Umishi Terungwa, expressed gratitude to the Chairman for his swift action and urged the state government to prioritize the safety of their community.
