Police debunk media reports, say only 22 persons were killed in Benue attack

Following the alleged killing of 81 persons in Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, has appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and report any suspicious persons or objects to the Police.

This is coming after a group of suspected armed herdsmen on Sunday killed six persons in the Nenzev ward in Logo Local Government Area, LGA, of the state at about mid-day.

According to media reports, the latest killings increased the number of deaths from herdsmen attack to 81 in the last two weeks, but the police on Tuesday dismissed the claim, stating that the number of deaths were exaggerated.

This was made known in a press release signed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Moses Joel Yamu,

The statement reads: “The attention of the Benue State Police Command has been drawn to a publication on page 8 of the Sun Newspaper, dated Monday, July 11, 2016, tagged “Herdsmen kill 81 in Benue”.

“The Command wishes to state that the reports was a gross misrepresentation of the true facts on ground in the State.

“For purpose of clarity, the Benue Command witnessed incidents of herdsmen attacks on some communities in the state including Logo, Guma LGAs where we recorded twenty-two (22) deaths between 30th May and 30th June, 2016.

“Further breakdown of the incidents and casualties recorded is enunciated hereunder as follows:

1. On 30/05/2016, Tse Aondo and Tse Ankyou comminutes in Ukum LGA were attacked where seven (7) persons were killed.

2. On 21/06/2016, Mbachom community in the Turan council ward and Tse Gabo village in the Nenzev council ward were attacked and one (1) and six (6) persons were killed respectively.

3. On 20/06/2016, Anyiin community was attacked and four (4) persons killed.

“The total number of deaths recorded during the period was twenty-two (22) persons and not weighty-one (81) as reported.

“Meanwhile, in order to quickly stem the tide of such incidents in the affected areas, and indeed other perceived volatile locations in the state, Mobile Policemen have been fully deployed to effectively checkmate these excesses.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State assured members of the general public and the good people of Benue State of her renewed efforts in crime fighting and appeals to all citizens to remain calm and report suspicious persons or objects to the Police,” the statement added.