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From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
For the second time in 24 hours, gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen militia have, again attacked Umuogidi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue state, this time killing 46 persons including a policeman.
As at the time of filing this report, the police said eight dead bodies have been recovered including that of a police officer.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday evening, 4th March, 2023.
Recalled that three person were killed in the same community on Tuesday, 3rd March, 2023, with the latest killing making it 49 in 24 hours.
A source from the community told newsmen that while the villagers were burying the three persons killed earlier, the gunmen invaded the village again and started shooting sporadically.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Bako Ejeh said his son, in-law and nephew were all killed during the attack.
“The herdsmen came back and invaded the village again at about 4:15 pm yesterday and 46 persons including my own son.
“We just buried his copse and some other people are still missing. We don’t know their whereabouts.
“My immediate younger sister, same mother and father, they killed her husband, killed her second son of about 38 years old.”
The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Matters, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) also confirmed the attack saying 46 person have been recovered and more could have been killed as some members of the community have not been found.
Hemba said, “Yes that is what happened. I can confirm to you that there was an attack in Umogidi and as at this morning, the causality figure from those who were seen physically from what I was told were 46 so far and other people are still missing so the figure could rise higher than that.
“The unfortunate thing is the local government chairman is from that community and his 33-year-old son is also a victim. It’s a very tragic and painful incident.”
The Special Adviser noted that he would be visiting the area in company of the state Deputy Governor, Benson Abounu, to ascertain the level of damage in the community.
While stating that the herdsmen have consistently attacked that axis from Apa and Agatu LGAs in the last one month without provocations, Hemba said, “Sometimes they cause a lot of destructions, damages to property and even to farmers in the area.”
He noted that the place is a bit calm at the moment as Police have been deployed and soldiers sent there to assist.
“I spoke to the Brigade Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade, he sent soldiers and they are there. So the security situation, for now, is calm,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police command has also confirmed the attack saying eight person have been killed.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, in a message said “Attack on Umogidi community confirmed.
“8 corpses recovered including a police officer. More police teams have been deployed to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.
