Senator David Mark who was on an assessment tour of the Agatu area, with some members of the National Assembly said described the killings as a genocide against his people. Mark said the attacks on the Agatu people by men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen was barbaric and inhuman. The former Senate President said:
“I’m shocked beyond words at the extent of destruction I have seen here in Agatu today. This is unbelievable . It is unimaginable . Nothing whatsoever justifies this brazen act of destruction meted out on the people of Agatu. My heart bleeds.”
You will recall that Fulani Herdsmen allegedly killed over 300 people in a series of attacks. The Senate, however passed a resolution saying the killings that took place in the Agatu area of Benue state, was carried out by members of the Boko Haram sect.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Fulani community in Benue state, Ado Boderi, accused the Agatu people of causing the violent clash between them. Boderi said members of the Agatu community killed 10,000 cattle belonging to its members. The former Senate President also alleged that the attacks were properly planned.