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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
There is palpable fear and tension in Benue State following another deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen militia on Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, leaving 15 persons dead and several others injured.
Our correspondent gathered that the attack, which began at about 5am on Tuesday lasted till 9am, sparking panic across neighbouring communities and causing many villagers to flee their homes for safety.
A resident from the community, who pleaded not to be named for fear of victimization, 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 phone message said “The current situation in Efeyi Ugboju is pathetic. The attack started around 5am and till after 9am there was no response from the security agencies. Even the Army and Police stationed at Ugboju Ogobia 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,” the resident said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, said the attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, describing it as another unprovoked assault allegedly carried out by herdsmen militia.
Ogiri said “Yes, there was an attack in Efeyi in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. It happened early this morning.”
The chairman disclosed that he was at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, awaiting the arrival of 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’s still the same Fulani militia. There was no provocation, no conflict. They have been attacking communities sporadically in recent days. The level of casualty have increases. 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 said he was awaiting detailed reports from security authorities said he cannot confirmed exact number of casualties but noted that he was told that 14 bodies had been recovered while many other victims sustained injuries.
He insisted “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.”
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.
He said “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 called on the Benue State Government to take deliberate steps to fully enforce the state’s Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, arguing that
“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 at the time of filing this report, security authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet said she would were respond as soon as she gets details.
