The clash that erupted between Tiv farmers and Fulani herdsmen in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, we learnt has claimed many lives.
Trouble started Thursday morning when Fulani mercenaries allegedly invaded Akough village in Guma Local Government Area of the state and razed Akough market, where some persons were killed and others sustained various degrees of injuries.
According to an eyewitness, “they attacked the village at the bank of River Benue, which borders both Benue and Nasarawa states, shooting sporadically and burning down houses and huts.
“From there, they moved to Akough market, with their arrival, causing a stampede and in the midst of the confusion, they opened fire on those they found at the market, killing and maiming their victims.
“At the end of the operation, which lasted several hours, over 17 persons were killed while many sustained injuries.
“As I speak with you, people are moving out of the community for fear of being caught in a fresh onslaught.
“At the moment, hundreds of people, who are fleeing the village have taken refuge in Gbajimba, the local government headquarters and the situation is a sorry sight,” he stated.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, DSP Daniel Ezeala, said the police had beefed up security in the community, stressing that the only four deaths had been recorded so far in the attack.