Suspected Fulani herders invaded some communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and killed nine persons in separate attacks.

The attacks were said to have taken place on Friday, Sunday and Monday, leading to the death of nine persons.

It was reliably gathered that four persons were murdered and seven others injured while returning from church on Sunday on the outskirts of Gbanjimba, headquarters of Guma LGA.

The marauding herders were reported to have also launched another attack on Monday where four other persons were killed.

A source who simply identified himself as Tersoo said, “The herders’ incidence in Guma local government area is becoming alarming. Since last weekend, nine persons have been killed.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of the council, Caleb Aba, explained that his younger brother was one of the victims, who was abducted and killed, adding that his remains had not been recovered.

Aba said, “On Friday last week, my younger brother went to the farm with four others on the outskirts of Gbajimgba town to harvest rice when the attackers ambushed them on the farm.

“The other four ran and were not caught, but he, being the youngest among them all, could not escape. They caught him. I have been following it until this morning when I learnt he had been killed. We have not recovered the body.

“On Sunday evening, it was Gbajimgba market day and the NKST church had their holy communion; so, those who were coming from the church and those leaving the market were attacked.

“Four people were killed and several others injured. Those injured are presently receiving treatment at the Air Force Base hospital in Makurdi. Also, yesterday (Monday) morning, they were at Ulever community and four people were killed.”

When contacted, the State Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, said in a terse statement that four people were killed.

Punch