The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Friday raised an alarm over a fresh plot by armed herdsmen to attack the state.
He alleged that the herdsmen were plotting to attack the people of Mbagwen community in Guma local government area in the state in a matter of days.
The Governor claimed that the fresh plot to attack the state may not be unconnected with the upcoming harvested season.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tever Akase, said, “We wish to alert Operation Whirl Stroke and other security forces that armed herdsmen are threatening to unleash fresh terror attacks on innocent Benue people.
“The herdsmen have sent a message to the people of Mbagwen community in Guma local government area that they will attack in matter of days. This was confirmed by the Council Chairman of Guma.
“Two days ago, herdsmen drove the people of Tse-Ado and the surrounding villages out of their homes after they killed two farmers at Angela community.
“The herdsmen had occupied communities in parts of Guma and Logo after chasing away members of those communities and killing many.
“The threats are coming on the heels of the return of some internally displaced persons from the IDPs camps to their ancestral homes.
“The question is; why are the attacks resuming at a time the harvest season is here? We suspect that the planned invasion is targetted at preventing the people from harvesting the few crops they were able to cultivate amid the mindless attacks which took place earlier in the year.
“In view of the horrendous manner armed herdsmen carried out all their previous threats in Benue State leaving hundreds of people dead, the latest threat of attack must not be taken lightly.
“We commend the Commander, officers and men of Operation Whirl Stroke for the great job they have done to ensure the return of the IDPs to their communities and urge them to move swiftly to forestall the evil agenda of the armed herdsmen and their sponsors,” the statement read.
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