By Amos Aar
PANIC has gripped residents of Chito, a community in Ukum LGA of Benue State, following the invasion of the area by gunmen said to be armed Fulani herdsmen.
According to a local source, the assailants, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles, stormed the town on Wednesday night during a heavy downpour.
Riding on motorcycles, the alleged armed herders allegedly forced residents out of their homes and took over the community.
“Even today, Thursday, they are still trooping in, arriving in their hundreds on motorcycles, heavily armed and appearing ready to strike,” the source told our correspondent.
The situation has left locals in fear of an imminent large-scale attack. The source also revealed that similar movements of armed herdsmen have been observed in other parts of Ukum LGA.
Ukum has suffered recurrent attacks in recent years, both from bandits and suspected herders, leading to widespread displacement and insecurity in the region.
Similar concerns were raised earlier this week in Daudu, located in Guma LGA, where residents reported sighting large numbers of armed herders entering the town on Tuesday evening.
Residents are calling on security agencies and the Benue State Government to act swiftly to prevent another round of violence and displacement in the affected areas.
