An airstrike by an unknown helicopter in the Ekye Development area of Nasarawa State has reportedly killed about fifty-one herdsmen.
Nasarawa Police spokesman DSP, Ramhan Nansel confirmed the development however, could not ascertain the actual number of casualties.
According to Nansel, the tragic event occurred on January 24 in the Rukubi community of Doma LGA.
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It was also gathered that a mass burial was immediately organised in Doma Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson revealed the Police Command was working in collaboration with sister security agencies and the state government to unravel the circumstances that led to the bombing.
He said:
“It is unfortunate that such a thing happened. The police and other security agencies are working round the clock to understand what led to the attack and track down those involved in the act.”
Meanwhile, Governor Abdullahi Sule stated that he was in touch with his Benue counterpart, Samuel Ortom to bring the situation under control.
Duke confirmed the sad incident which led to the death of many Fulani pastoralists and hence promised to ensure that those behind the killing of the herdsmen are apprehended and made to face the law.
Reacting also was Doma council Chairman Ahmed Sarki-Usman.
He said:
“It must be the activity of some bad elements in the area. The act is capable of causing unrest in the LGA but I particularly want to thank the Fulani people for being calm and allowing the government and security agencies to handle the issue. I assure them that we will get to the roots of the matter.”
Nasarawa chairman of Miyetti Allah Kautal Horai, Ardo Lawal Dano, also said:
“The Fulani people are law-abiding citizens. We don’t like trouble, so let the government address the situation because we are really pained losing our loved ones.”
The Ekye Development area, and the Doma local government area of Nasarawa State shares a border with Benue state.
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