By Palang Paul
At least 16 people have been killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen on communities in Benue State, local authorities and residents said on Tuesday.
The attacks occurred between Monday and Tuesday in Otukpo and Kwande Local Government Areas, leaving several others injured and forcing residents to flee their homes amid growing fears over delayed security intervention.
The deadliest attack was recorded in the early hours of Tuesday when the assailants reportedly invaded Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA at about 4:00 a.m., killing at least 14 residents and injuring several others.
A resident who plead for anonymity said the attackers operated for hours without resistance from security personnel, alleging that troops and police stationed nearby failed to respond while the assault was ongoing. He added that some residents were still missing as search efforts continued, raising fears that the death toll could increase.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said 14 bodies had been recovered, while many injured victims were receiving treatment at health facilities.
According to Maxwell Ogiri, the victims were attacked without provocation, warning that fear had gripped neighbouring communities as residents continued to flee.
He also called for stricter enforcement of Benue State’s anti-open grazing law, arguing that stronger implementation was necessary to curb the recurring violence.
The council chairman further stated that despite the presence of military personnel, police, mobile police officers and agro-rangers in the area, attacks had continued unabated, stressing that the responsibility for security operations rested with the relevant agencies.
Earlier on Monday, another farmer was reportedly killed while working on his farm in Ipom community, also in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA.
In a separate attack the same day, suspected armed Fulani herdsmen reportedly invaded Abaji community in Moon Council Ward of Kwande LGA, opening fire on farmers working on a Bambara nut farm.
A woman who sustained gunshot injuries later died, while the attackers allegedly stole two motorcycles belonging to fleeing farmers.
Survivors said the gunmen suddenly emerged and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing farmers to abandon their tools and flee for safety.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to enquiries as of the time of filing the report.
Post Comment