THE death toll from the bomb blast that struck a group of herders has risen to 54 from 28, following an alleged airforce attack on Rukubi, a village on the border between Nasarawa and Benue states, Tuesday.
Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore spokesman, Tasiu Sulaiman, confirmed this to News Point Nigeria via a telephone conversation, Saturday.
According to him, 26 more bodies have been recovered in the bushes, and a dozen more still missing according to the communities’ head count.
This is coming a few hours after, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN visited Governor Abdullahi Sule, the Emir of Lafia, Alhaji Sidi Bage; Sarkin Gudi, Alhaji Sule Bawa, alongside other traditional rulers, to condole with them on the death of Governor Sule’s son and the attack victims.
According to a statement by the media aide of the vice president, Laolu Akande, the VP said, “this is a very tragic and sad day indeed for me, as I am sure it is for all of you here in Nasarawa. I want to say to my brother, the governor, and to members of the family as well as your Royal Highness and all those who are here to condole with him, that we pray the Almighty God will comfort him and members of the family. We pray that God who gives and takes will have mercy on him, the family and on all of us.
“I also want to condole with you, your excellency, and your Royal Highness, on the tragic occurrence of the death of several citizens of this State a few days ago.”
“This is very terrible and tragic thing indeed. I express my sincere condolence and that of the Federal Government of Nigeria. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort this State even as we await the outcome of the investigation going on.”
Recall, two military aircraft killed over 1,000 cows in multiple attacks on Fulani settlements in Keana and Doma local government areas of Nasarawa State between Thursday, June 10 and Sunday, June 13, 2021.
Some young Fulani herders tending the cattle sustained injuries while over 500 cows that strayed into neighbouring Benue State were never recovered, victims and witnesses said.
