At least 28 individuals have been brutally killed in a series of fresh assaults by Fulani herdsmen on Mbawa Council Ward in the Guma Local Government area of Benue State, located in North Central Nigeria.

The horrifying incidents occurred between Sunday and Wednesday, and local residents have accused the Nigerian Army and Police of complicity in the ongoing attacks that have plagued the region for the past month.

One resident, identified as Barnabas, expressed his disappointment in the security forces, stating that despite their presence, they failed to intervene as the armed herdsmen wreaked havoc using sophisticated weapons.

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Shockingly, the police officers even demanded a payment of N100,000 to search for the bodies of those slain on farmlands.

The situation has escalated to an alarming degree, with a daily massacre unfolding in the community.

The proximity of the attacks to an Internal Displaced Camp (IDP) and an army camp further highlights the negligence of the security forces, as the Fulani herdsmen continue to carry out their brutal acts with impunity.

Barnabas also recounted a recent meeting between community leaders and the Fulani herdsmen, facilitated by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Guma police division.

During the meeting, the DPO advocated for the cohabitation of the Fulani herdsmen with the local community, despite their previous acts of violence that claimed 36 lives.

The failure of the government and security agencies to address the escalating violence has left the residents feeling abandoned and marginalized.

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The complicity of the security forces, particularly the military and police, has come under scrutiny, as they allegedly possess knowledge of the presence of armed Fulani herdsmen in the area but fail to take action.

This has led to growing frustration and accusations that the security agencies are complicit in the ongoing killings and are contributing to the genocide being perpetrated against the local population.

Efforts to obtain a response from the Benue police command have been unsuccessful, as the spokesperson, CSP Sewuese Anene, has not responded to calls.