The invasion of some communities in Dekina and Omala local government areas of Kogi state left no fewer than 50 houses raised with many neighbouring communities deserted for fear of renewed attack.
Residents of Oganenigu, which was mostly affected were relocating to neighbouring areas like Anyigba, Egume and other areas for their safety.
This is coming as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has blamed the state government for the attack on the communities which had left over 30 peoples dead.
The party in a statement said the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s open invitation to the rampaging herdsmen and the setting up of cattle colonies without adequate security measures put in place, has necessitated the killings.
However, findings on Friday showed that some of the affected communities have become ghost communities as people have fled for safety.
The Oganenigwu Community Development Association, said on Friday that over 200 people had been displaced because of the attacks.
The association added that over 50 houses were burnt by the suspected Fulani herdsmen while people living in villages surrounding Oganenigwu have deserted the community as they move to places like Anyigba, Ologba, Etulutekpe, Iyale and others.
“As at present no body can say the exact number of dead people on both sides because many families are yet to locate their relatives,” the source said.
The source also disclosed that the presence of the security agents drafted to the trouble areas was yet to check mate the situation.
However, the Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who was expected to visit the trouble communities on Friday could not make it due to circumstances beyond his control.
But the governor said the violence had been contained and brought under control as police and military operatives had been deployed in the affected areas.
Bello in statement by his director general media and publicity to the governor, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, said “The Kogi State Government ensured that the military, the police and other relevant security agencies, including members of the Kogi State Vigilante Services were immediately mobilised to the affected areas following the initial reports.
“The violence has since been contained and brought under control. The incident however remains under investigation while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice.”
“His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State will conduct on the spot assessment of the distressed communities today (Friday). He will meet with Security Chiefs and community leaders after which more information will be forthcoming based on available facts.”
“The governor believes nothing compares to the sanctity of the human life and that must be protected by all who believes in humanity.”
However, the PDP in a statement by its director, research and documentation, Achadu Dickson, said the governor should explain his role in the killing following his invitation of the herdsmen and ceding of some section of the state land for the establishment of cattle colony, amidst discontent by the people.
The PDP condemned the gruesome murder of innocent citizens by the herders, saying their action has vindicated the party’s position from the onset that Bello’s action of establishing cattle colonies was an invitation to anarchy.
Commiserating with the families who lost their loved ones, the PDP called for a further arrest of the crisis by the security agencies as it is one death too many in the country as it.