*Schools Shut, Commercial, Farming Activities Torpedoed, Surviving Residents Flee In Droves
*As Usual, Police Issue Assurances, Tactical Teams Deploy
By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Over 30 persons have been allegedly killed by the Fulani killer herdsmen in Naka, headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria.
The herdsmen were said to have arrived Naka town in the late hours of Sunday when the residents of the town least expected them.
An eye witness and resident of Naka town who spoke to People&Politics , recounted that the attackers came at about 7pm when residents were relaxing in their homes after church service and other community meetings.
The source revealed that about 30 residents of the town were killed by the “merciless herdsmen militia”, adding that 16 corpses have been recovered.
According to the source, most of those killed, including women and children, “were butchered as the herders used machetes to butcher them.”
With the attack on Naka town, it is clear that all the council wards of Gwer West LGA have now been sacked.
The attackers who were armed not only with machetes, but also guns and other dangerous weapons, first shot at residents and then macheted old men, women and children.
Our checks have confirmed that a lot of people were still missing as their whereabouts or life status are presently unknown.
We gathered that several people have fled Naka town for safety as no one knows what looms next.
The attack has led to closure of schools in the area even as commercial activities as well as farming in the area has equally been suspended for fear of residents been attacked in farms.
The State Police Command confirmed the attacks in Naka as well as communities in Apa LGA.
In a statement by the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state Command, Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Udeme Edet, the Command acknowledged the incidents and assured residents that Police tactical teams have been deployed to restore calm and order.
