Police confirm killing of herder in Benue, move to avert reprisal
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Benue on Saturday confirmed the killing of a Fulani herder by suspected youths in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Friday when the victim was attacked and killed in the bush by youths of the community.
“The command received intelligence that Fulani groups were planning a reprisal attack. Supol Kwande, along with tactical teams deployed to the axis, has intensified patrols to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“Traditional rulers and relevant stakeholders have also been engaged in dialogue to douse tension and maintain peace in the area.
“Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the crime, while the State CID has commenced investigation,”said the sources.
The sources assured that security operatives were on ground to restore calm and prevent escalation of the crisis.
Zagazola reports that Kwande LGA, which shares borders with Cameroon, has a history of communal and farmer-herder clashes.
