Suspected herdsmen kill 45 persons in Benue, many injured

In fresh attacks on Benue communities, suspected herdsmen have killed many locals in Apa Local Government Area, Peoples Gazette has learnt.
The attack which started Monday evening was carried out by Fulani herdsmen, residents allege.
A resident told The Gazette that no fewer than 45 bodies have been counted in the attack which spanned 20 communities. The traditional ruler of Ugbobi community was also killed by the marauders. Many villagers also sustained grave injuries.
“Our people have become victims of unprovoked attacks from the Fulani herdsmen in recent times, the unprovoked attacks started with attacks on Ikobi in Apa where not less than15 people were inhumanly butchered to death. In Oiji, Apa, three persons were butchered to death. In Edikwu two, in Inyapu seven, in Akpanta three; in Ugbobi four, including their chief, Chief Adanu; in Akpete, one person was killed and two ladies were raped. In Atakpa, Agatu, eight persons were butchered to death. Apart from these deaths, uncounted numbers were wounded.” Barrister Ada Ocholi, a resident, stated.
He continued, “People cannot go to their farms to harvest farm produce, in most cases, the Fulani Herdsmen would control their cows to my people’s farms and allow them to eat up the farm produce and then set whatever remains ablaze; the Fulani herdsmen have directed that they wouldn’t like to see my people in their respective farm as from 10 am as that is the time they start the daily rearing of their cattle.”
Mr Ocholi lamented that there has been no meaningful response from the police, and even the military men who are available in the affected communities do not hunt the armed attackers in the bush, they rather maintain their positions to secure their lives.
Efforts to speak with the police were not successful at the time of making this report.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

NationWide
Tinubu’s retention of Shettima as running mate gives APC full control of north, lawmaker says
The senator expressed confidence that northern voters would overwhelmingly support the Tinubu-Shettima ticket.

Anti-Corruption
Indonesia’s top anti-corruption prosecutor resigns after police found gold, $20 million cash in his home
Mr Adriansyah, 58, who was appointed special crimes prosecutor four years ago, has denied any wrongdoing.

States
Police nab 22-year-old Abia man for alleged robbery
The police spokesperson added that the suspect’s act instilled fear in his victims and dispossessed them of their belongings.

Ibadan
Makinde visits rescued pupils, teachers, pledges support for full recovery
Mr Makinde said some of the victims appear weak and would need medical care and psychosocial support to address post-traumatic issues.

States
Cash Transfer: FG disburses stipends to 1,381 Edo residents
Ms Idaomi said eligible households received N75,000, while eligible individuals received N25,000 each.

States
Youths shun Edo LG polls to play football in Benin
The youth mounted goalposts and played football in sets.





