The Forum of Tyoshin Academics (FoTA) in Benue State has disclosed that no fewer than 600 people of Benue descent were killed in 54 attacks in 10 council wards of Makurdi and Gwer-West Local Government Areas (LGAs) by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The group further explained that the deaths were recorded from eight council wards in Gwer-West LGA and two council wards of Makurdi LGA of the state in the last eleven years.

According to the forum, the military was able to repel three other attacks targeted at Naka, the headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, thereby averting many deaths, as well as the destruction of property.

A statement issued to newsmen in Makurdi on Thursday, titled: ‘Tyoshin Nation is Bleeding’, and signed on behalf of the Forum by the Chairman and Convener of the Forum, Prof. Joseph Kerker, and Secretary, Dr. Terkula Maga also pointed out that during the planned attacks by the herdsmen with the intention of annexing the communities, the herdsmen destroyed property worth millions of naira. This, it said, included worship centers, houses, schools, hospitals, and bridges among other social amenities.

According to the group, “It is worthy of note that until recently, Tyoshin nation was known for its peaceful and calm atmosphere, both for her indigenes and settlers alike.

“Today, however, the story is different as armed Fulani herdsmen/militia have turned our land into a slaughter slab where hardly a day passes without scores being killed with reckless abandon. It is apparent, based on the unfolding events that there is a preconceived agenda by the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia and their sponsors to occupy Tyoshin land using brutal force.

“Disguised as pastoralists, the armed Fulani herdsmen/militia have an agenda, to kill, rape, maim, occupy, and annex the whole Tyoshin community.