– Thousands of residents are trooping into the IBB Square in Makurdi, Benue state to attend the memorial service for the victims of the recent herdsmen attack – The memorial service kicked-off at 10am under heavy security as everyone is subjected to intense searching – Herdsmen had earlier killed no fewer than 20 people in Benue state, on New Year day, Monday, January 1, 2018 Emotions ran wild in Makurdi, the Benue state capital today, Thursday, January 11, as a memorial service was held for the victims of the recent herdsmen attack in the state. Thousands of Benue residents are trooping into the IBB Square in Makurdi to attend the memorial service. Many of those attending the event are wearing black attires in solidarity with the families of the victims.
Hundreds of clergymen are also on ground to conduct the memorial service which kicked-off at 10am under heavy security. The state government had earlier declared today, Thursday, January 11, as a public holiday to enable residents attend the event. Relations of the victims adorning white attires were unconsolable as every effort to keep them calm was futile. Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, and senior government officials of the Benue state government were in attendance. Governor Ortom had declared three days mourning period for the victims on Friday, January 5.
Other dignitaries at the event include the former governor of the state George Akume, former minister of Justice Michael Aoandaka and the chairman of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission.
