Over 15 feared killed, many injured, others missing as herdsmen attack another Benue community

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

More than 15 people have been feared killed in another attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Ojatele community, in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

This is barely a week after herdsmen also attacked communities in Kwande LGA killing 16 persons.

A source from Ojantele told journalists on phone, that the attack occurred on Friday afternoon and leaving many community members with various degrees of injuries, while several others have not been seen since after the attack

A community member who pleaded to remain anonymous, disclosed that the attackers arrived with a large number of cattle before suddenly opening fire on residents who were returning from their cashew farmers.

The source said “It was an unprovoked attack. The armed herders came with large cows, and were grazing unhindered. But they saw some of 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 be more than the figure we have seen, if not because our people started running. So far, we have recovered about 15 corpses and 11 others that were injured. We have evacuated the injured ones to hospital in Ugbokpo, headquarters of Apa Local Government Area.”

Another member 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 incidence as unprovoked and unwarranted. “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 that were killed unjustifiably”, he said.

The Ch so rman of Apa LGA, Mr Adams Ada Ochega, has confirmed the incident, saying he was yet to get full details of the attack.

“Yes, there was an attack on Ojatele community in Apa Local Government, but am not around in the local government area. Am away for an official journey. However, my attention has been drawn to the incidence. You can call me by tomorrow evening, then, I can have enough information to you. So, for now I can’t speak further, thanks”, he said.

Efforts to get reach the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, proved abortive as she did not take calls made to her phone.