Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stated that the armed Fulani herders attacking the state are Malians and not Nigerians.
The governor said the Hausa and Fulani languages spoken by these armed herders are distinct from what is obtainable in Nigeria.
Benue State has experienced a series of attacks from armed herders, resulting in the deaths of several people in local government areas like Otukpo, Ado, and Logo.
Governor Alia noted that the attackers, who wield AK-47s, do not resemble the indigenous Fulanis in Nigeria.
He added that the attackers’ language and appearance are different from those of traditional Nigerian herders.
The governor claimed that some locals who understand the attackers’ language have given it names and believe they are Malians, not Nigerians.