30 Killed, Suswam’s Convoy Attacked: Benue State governor Gabriel Suswam yesterday narrowly escaped death when his convoy was attacked by gunmen. He was on his way to visit Guma local government area of the state that had been invaded by suspected Fulani herdsmen. The invaders yesterday killed about 30 people — men, women and children — and ransacked over 100 villages, displacing scores in the process. Eyewitnesses said the dastardly attack happened about 6am. The villages that were attacked include Daudu, Ukpam, Tsekenyi and Umenger as well as Kaseyo, Ukar and Uvir. Yesterday, Governor Suswam visited the affected places to assess the damage, sympathize with the victims and provide succour before his convoy was suddenly shot at by the gunmen. The governor had, after visiting Daudu and Ukpam, proceeded to Tsekenyi where he stopped over to view the gruesome murder of more than five people. It was at this point that the attackers numbering over 100 started shooting. The governor was quickly lifted into a vehicle by security operatives and his aides. They exchanged gunfire with the attackers for about 30 minutes before they finally escaped. While the gun battle lasted, journalists and others were ordered by the commissioner of police, Adams Audu, to take cover and lie down flat to avoid being hit by any stray bullet. Addressing the victims in Gbajimba, Suswam described the attack as unfortunate and assured of government’s support to provide refugee camps and relief materials. “This attack is inhumane; because I came to see things for myself I was attacked just on my way to this place. But I want to urge all of you to remain peaceful and not to take laws into your hands,” he stated.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Mar 2014 04:10:56 +0000
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