Samuel Shanna, Acting Chairman, Gwer East Local Government Council, has stated that the Monday morning’s attack on Mbalom community by herdsmen has created a huge humanitarian crisis for the government.
Shanna told newsmen on Wednesday in Makurdi that the attacks, which happened in three locations in the community, resulted in the displacement of hundreds of people.
“The herders attacked three locations; the church, mourners during a wake and a market square where scores of people were killed.
“We have been forced to set up a temporary camp to accommodate the internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in our community.
“We have already received about 300 people and more are still fleeing their homes into the camp.
“We are collaborating with the traditional institution in the area to find a solution to the crises, pending the arrival of Gov. Samuel Ortom, from his overseas trip,” he said.
He, however, commended the Acting Gov., Mr Benson Abounu, for his prompt intervention in authorising the release of relief materials to the displaced persons and for liaising with the military to deploy its men to the affected communities.
Shanna said the attacks came as a shock since no herdsman was grazing in the communities that were attacked.
“The attacks really shocked us since there is no herdsman grazing in our communities.
“We are saddened by this development and we pray it does not happen again,” he said.
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