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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen have attacked soldiers deployed in Ochumekwu, in Apa Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, killed one personnel, and injured one other.
The Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, (OPWS), Major General Sunday Igbinomwanhia, confirmed this in Makurdi, yesterday.
Daily Sun gathered that armed herdsmen attacked soldiers in Ochumekwu, on Sunday, and killed one while the injured person was taken to the hospital.
The commander, while confirming the attack, said the troops, in response, killed three of the armed attackers and injured several of them. He also noted that one AK47 and several rounds of ammunition were recovered from them.
In a related development, the Turan people of Kwande LGA have also cried out to the federal and state governments over herdsmen’s attacks in their area.
A source from the community, who didn’t want to be named for fear of attacks, told newsmen on phone that killer herdsmen, on Sunday, attacked and killed innocent farmers of Udedeku community of Maav-Ya, Mkoonmom district of Mbaikyor Council Ward, Turan Jato-Aka. The source said the area has been deserted as villagers have run for their dear lives.
“People are all on the run. We are homeless, helpless and hopeless and our children and the unborn generation are hopeless. We call on our various political, religious and traditional leaders as well as all sons, daughters and stakeholders to rise up and speak for the people of Turan before the entire Kwande will be occupied by the killer herdsmen.”
The source said many people have been killed while many are still missing.
The OPWS Commander also confirmed attacks in Kwande, adding that they were carrying out an operation to flush out the armed herders.
“In Kwande, OPWS is currently carrying out a clearance operation to flush out suspected armed foreign herders who have invaded the LG.”
