Benue: Over 15 killed, many injured, others missing in herdsmen attack

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

At least 15 people were killed in an alleged attack on the Ojatele community in Benue State’s Apa Local Government Area (LGA) by suspected armed herdsmen militia.

A local in the area told reporters on the phone in Makurdi that the attack, which took place on Friday afternoon, left many people with varying degrees of injury, while several others were still missing.

The local, who asked not to be named for fear of being targeted, revealed that the attackers arrived with a large number of cattle and suddenly opened fire on residents returning from their farms.

He said, “It was an unprovoked attack. The armed herders came with large cows, and were grazing unhindered. But they saw some women and children who went to their cashew farms to collect cashew nuts. On their way back home, the armed herdsmen suddenly opened fire and started shooting innocent people and overran the community.

“The number of dead victims and those injured would have been more than the figure we have seen if not because our people started running away. So far, we have recovered about 15 corpses and 11 other people that were injured. We have evacuated the injured ones to the hospital in Ugbokpo, headquarters of Apa LGA.”

Another member of the community, who identified himself as Abu Abel, confirmed the incident, saying: “It was herdsmen that attacked the community this afternoon and killed over 15 persons.”

Abel described the incident as unprovoked and unwarranted, saying, “Our community is now completely deserted. We are calling on government to come to our aid. There is no security in the whole area. These are innocent people who went to look for their daily bread, who were killed unjustifiably.”

When contacted, Apa Local Government chairman, Mr Adams Ochega, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to get a full report of the attack.

He said, “Yes, there was an attack on Ojatele community in Apa LG, but I am not around. I’m away for an official journey. However, my attention has been drawn to the incident. For now I can’t speak further, thanks.”

At the time of reporting, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement, and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment.