2 killed as herders, guards clash in Benue

At least two people have been reportedly killed and three injured after a clash between officers of the Livestock Guards and alleged herdsmen in Kwua community near the Modern Market in Makurdi, Benue State. It was gathered that trouble started on June 13, after some residents of Kwua sighted some herders grazing their cattle on […]

At least two people have been reportedly killed and three injured after a clash between officers of the Livestock Guards and alleged herdsmen in Kwua community near the Modern Market in Makurdi, Benue State.

It was gathered that trouble started on June 13, after some residents of Kwua sighted some herders grazing their cattle on farms in the area.

A resident explained that the attention of the livestock guards was drawn to the scene and that they swiftly responded and moved to the scene but that the herders ran away and left their cattle.

He further said that while the livestock operatives were taking the cows to their office for violating the anti- open grazing law in the state, the herders mobilised and resisted the move.

He said, “It was in the process that we started hearing gunshots. Two persons were gunned down and three others injured badly.

“We could not ascertain the identities of those killed. A few minutes later we saw a police patrol team drive to the scene and evacuated the injured.”

The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed the incident to journalists at the weekend, alleging that the livestock guards were attacked by armed herdsmen. 

He said, “Yesterday (Friday) cattle were left astray and were grazing on farms on the river bank without shepherds. Livestock guards went and apprehended them but the Fulani and Hausa gang came with guns and matchets and recovered the cattle.

“They cut the officers the same way they cut our farmers and even shot, but unfortunately it got their person. The officers are receiving treatment in a private hospital.”

The police spokeswoman in the state, SP Catherine Anene, did not respond to calls or a text message sent to her on the matter.