From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI), worldwide on Sunday, condemned the attack on Anyiin and Ayilamo communities, both in Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state by militia herdsmen, which claimed the lives of about 41 persons in two days.

The group which stated this in a statement signed by the President of AYACASODI, worldwide, Chief Timothy Baaki in Makurdi on Sunday, alleged that the military may be complicit in the matter.

Recall that the militia herdsmen had attacked Anyiin on Thursday last week, killing no fewer than 23 persons, they launched another attack on Ayilamo community the next day, Friday, where they killed another 18 persons.

During last Friday’s attack on Ayilamo, apart from attacking the police station in the area, the herdsmen totally sacked Ayilamo community, displacing the people of the area, who are now taking refuge in nearby communities, while scores were injured during the attack.

When contacted by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, Sewuese Anene said “I don’t have this information please.”

Also efforts to get the 72 battalion, Makurdi, to speak on the allegation raised by the group were futile.

While Daily Independent was speaking with the officer that is supposed to be the Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the battalion on Sunday, the phone suddenly went dead. Efforts to reach him proved abortive, even as text messages sent to him were not replied.

However, our sources in the area, who spoke with Daily Independent on phone said, “After they (herdsmen) attacked Anyiin on Thursday, they again attacked Ayilamo on Friday. The militia herdsmen have gradually sacked the town of its people.

Corroborating the report of our sources in the area, the President of AYACASODI, Chief Timothy Baaki also alleged that the military men that were deployed to the area to provide security have always turned a blind eye to the acts of bandits.

For instance, he said when the bandits carried out the act on Anyiin, the military did not intervene in the situation where one Tordoo Suswam, a nephew to Senator Gabriel Suswam, a former governor of state was ‘butchered’ right in front of the ‘military base’ in the area, which is headed by men of the 72 battalion, Makurdi.

He stressed the need to conduct an investigation to unravel the level of involvement of the military who were drafted to the area to keep the peace.

He also observed that after the attack on Anyiin, the herdsmen had regrouped at a nearby village from where they launched the attack on Ayilamo.

According to Baaki, “It was alleged that the attackers were in the nearby village of Ugbur, where they were reportedly regrouping for further violence and terror in the region, unfortunately no actions were taken and they again attacked Ayilamo community, Logo LGA, the following night of 31st October 2024, killing and destroying homes.

“They also destroyed the Nigeria Police Station Ayilamo, documents in the station, and freed the inmates, not just that, many people were injured including the Police officer on duty.

According to Baaki, “The Ayatutu Cultural and Social Development Initiative (AYACASODI) worldwide strongly condemn the brutal attack on the peaceful border town of Anyiin, Logo Local Government Area, Benue State.

“Reports indicate that on October 30th, 2024, heavily armed militias suspected to be Fulani and Jukun militias launched a midnight collaborated attack on Anyiin community, killing over 20 innocent people, destroying homes and properties worth millions of Naira, and displacing thousands.

“The continued premeditated attacks on the Tiv nation by Fulani and Jukun militias are highly unbearable. The Fulani herdsmen in collaboration with Jukun militias have continuously launched brutal attacks on Gbeji, Ayati, Ayilamo, Iorza, Mchia, and other Tiv communities which demand the state and federal governments’ intervention.

“AYACASODI worldwide categorically condemns these cruel assaults on defenseless civilians, violating human rights, social justice, and dignity. We sincerely commend the efforts of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), but condemn in totality, the Nigerian Army’s inhumane and indifferent response to the recent attack on Anyiin.

“As the last line of defense for the common man, it is unacceptable that the military personnel led by a Sergeant from 72 Bn Makurdi (names withheld), allegedly stood by idly while innocent lives were lost, some right before their very eyes at the military base.

“It is reported that Bobo Tordoo Suswam, a nephew to H.E. Sen. Dr. Barr. Gabriel Suswam, the former Governor of Benue State and immediate past Senator representing Benue North East, was butchered by the invaders at the gate of his house, directly opposite Corpers’ lodge which is the military base.

“The alleged failure of the military to intervene in such a critical situation raises serious questions about their effectiveness. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this gross dereliction of duty and take swift, decisive action to hold those responsible accountable. The people of Anyiin deserve justice, and it is imperative that measures are taken to prevent such atrocities from happening again in the future.”

Subsequently, Baaki called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hyacinth Alia, and all the heads of security agencies, to take swift and decisive action to forestall future occurrences.

He also urged the Federal and State Governments to “Provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the thousands of displaced individuals in the area in desperate need of food, shelter, medical assistance, and trauma support. We call on the government, humanitarian organizations, and citizens to mobilize relief efforts for these vulnerable populations.

While mourning with families of the victims; Senator Emmanuel Udende, Senator representing Benue North East and Governor Hyacinth Alia, Baaki, encouraged all law-abiding citizens to appeal to the relevant authorities to work towards bringing to an end the fear and sufferings inflicted on innocent lives.