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• Gov Alia: bandits must pay for attack
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
There is palpable fear and tension in Benue State following another deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, leaving at least 15 persons dead and several others injured.
Our correspondent gathered that the attack, which began at about 5:00 a.m. yesterday, lasted until about 9:00 a.m., sparking panic across neighbouring communities and forcing many villagers to flee their homes in search of safety.
A resident of the community, who pleaded not to be named for fear of victimisation, lamented the delayed response of security agencies, alleging that despite the prolonged assault, no intervention came from security personnel stationed in the area until several hours later.
The resident, in a telephone interview, said: “The current situation in Efeyi, Ugboju, is pathetic. The attack started around 5:00 a.m. and, till after 9:00 a.m., there was no response from the security agencies. Even the Army and Police stationed at Ugboju-Agobia had not reached the community to protect innocent citizens.
“We are helpless and vulnerable. What can we do to protect our people? Oh God, help the souls of the innocent people killed mercilessly in Efeyi, Ugboju.”
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said the attack occurred in the early hours of yesterday, describing it as another unprovoked assault allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen.
“Yes, there was an attack in Efeyi in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. It happened early this morning,” Ogiri said.
The chairman disclosed that he was at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, awaiting the arrival of the injured victims, who had initially been taken to a local hospital for first aid.
“I’m at the teaching hospital expecting the wounded. They were first taken to a local hospital, but I’m not sure the facility is adequately equipped to handle their condition,” he said.
Asked about the identity of the attackers, Ogiri said: “It is still the same Fulani militia. There was no provocation, no conflict. They have been attacking communities sporadically in recent days. The level of casualties has increased. One incident happened just a day or two ago in another village, and today it is Efeyi. They choose locations at will.”
The chairman, who said he was awaiting detailed reports from security authorities, noted that he could not confirm the exact number of casualties but disclosed that he had been informed that 14 bodies had been recovered, while many other victims sustained injuries.
“There was no provocation; they came only to shed blood and kill innocent people. The people are afraid. There is great apprehension, and residents of neighbouring communities are fleeing for safety,” he added.
Ogiri expressed concern over the continued attacks despite the presence of multiple security formations in Otukpo, including the military, Mobile Police, Agro-Rangers and conventional police units.
“There are many security agencies here, but I don’t know whether they are enough. I am not the one to determine their operations. My responsibility is to provide logistics and accommodation, not to direct security deployments,” he said.
He called on the Benue State Government to take deliberate steps to fully enforce the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.
“Everything is tied to the anti-open grazing law. Even the eviction notice issued cannot achieve much because there is nobody to enforce it. Until there is deliberate enforcement, we will continue to lament these killings,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she would respond as soon as she obtained details of the incident.
Meanwhile, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has expressed grief over the attack, declaring that the bandits must pay for their crime against the peaceful people of the state.
Alia, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, appreciated the Benue State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu, for its swift response, which led to the neutralisation of two suspected armed bandits believed to have participated in the attack.
The governor lamented that scores of residents were killed while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries when the suspected armed herders invaded the Efeyi community.
The statement read: “Following reports of the incident, men of the Benue State Police Command were deployed to trail the armed bandits.
“A gun battle ensued as the police closed in on the attackers, and two of the bandits, who were apparently providing cover for others to escape, were neutralised.”
Alia said his administration would continue to support security agencies to ensure that those attacking the state are dealt with decisively.
“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come, push the people away and take over should think twice.
“Our people are peaceful and hardworking. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure that my people are protected and our land is secured,” the governor stated.
