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.