by Azeez Adeniyi

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of eight Fulani herdsmen over the murder of 15 residents in three communities in the Logo Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bashir Makama, confirmed the arrest on Monday.

Makama said the command had also deployed riot policemen to watch over the forest and farmlands in the vulnerable communities.

The assailants had on Sunday and Tuesday, attacked Tse Akaa, Mba’abaji and Tse Orlalu in Ugondo Mbanar District of the Logo LGA.

The clash between the villagers and the herdsmen was reportedly over the movement of cattle away from farmlands in the areas.

The suspects attacked their victims, who were returning from a church service.

Makama said, “As I talk to you, we have policemen guarding the farmlands and the forest in the Logo and Buruku areas. They are not even in the town to protect lives and property, as it were. They are deployed to be guarding bushes.

“Also, eight Fulani herdsmen have been arrested by the police. They are suspected to be masterminds of the attacks. The culprits usually do not go with their cattle when they want to attack.

“Another proactive measure taken is that the formation of committees at the state, local government and ward levels. The committee comprises of security agencies, the farmers and the herdsmen too. These are done within the vulnerable communities so that we can forestall any recurrence of such attack.”

Azeez