The terrorists, barely 48 hours after killing scores of residents of Ngoshe community in Borno state and abducting more than 300 others, mostly women and children, have killed another 20 in fresh attack on Benue communities while also abducting 10 people in Kwara.

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state, in their immediate reaction described the terrorists attacks as senseless, barbaric and unacceptable.

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has paid a sympathy visit to thousands of internally displaced people of Ngoshe community who were affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.

In Benue, no fewer than 20 persons were reportedly killed in a bloody attack on Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards of Kwande Local Government Area.

A source in the area disclosed that the attackers stormed the communities early Thursday morning and continued their assault late into the night, leaving several residents dead while many others remain unaccounted for. The attacks reportedly forced residents to flee their homes in fear as the search for survivors and missing persons continued.

The source said “this is another very sad day for the people of Kwande. The attackers stormed the communities Thursday morning and killed innocent women and children for no reason whatsoever. The number of deaths is about 20, but with the ongoing search and the number of persons still unaccounted for, I can assure you that more bodies may be recovered. It is really saddening. Our women and children are being killed in their homes and we feel as if there is no government in place to protect our defenceless people. It is very sad,” he lamented.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack, describing the killings as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.”

In a statement issued by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims and the affected communities.

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In his own reaction, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, condemned the killings saying “the tragic incident should trouble the conscience of every citizen”, noting that the persistent attacks on rural communities have continued to deepen the insecurity in Benue State.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, James Ian, the former Justice Minister said “the trauma and suffering being inflicted on our people are simply unacceptable”. He called on the Governor of Benue State to demonstrate leadership by providing reassurance, direction and decisive action to protect vulnerable communities. The former Minister also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by mobilizing adequate security personnel to the affected areas to halt the cycle of violence in the state.

Terrorists kidnap 10 persons in Kwara

In Kwara, the terrorists attacked Ahun and Oro-Ago communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state on Wednesday morning abducting 10 people. The terrorists have meanwhile reached out to the relations of one of the victims demanding a ransom of N10m to release him.

The wife of a victim told journalists in Ilorin on Friday that her husband, Clement Emmanuel, a sawmill operator, and his apprentice, Solomon were seized while cutting trees in the farm in Ahun village. Mrs. Emmanuel told our reporter on phone that the kidnappers had reached ouit to her demanding N10m ransom. “Please, oga reporter, help plead with them to release my husband sir, where will I get the N10m they asked for?” She asked.

Zulum pays sympathy visit to victims of Ngoshe attack,

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has paid a sympathy visit to thousands of internally displaced people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.

He assured that efforts were underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat. “The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.