Suspected Herders Strike 3 Benue LGAs, 10 Killed, Others Injured

A wave of violence has gripped several communities in Benue State as suspected armed herders unleashed a series of deadly attacks across three Local Government Areas (LGAs)…..READ ALSO

According to reports, the assailants left a trail of devastation, resulting in the loss of 10 lives and leaving numerous individuals injured.

The affected LGAs include Apa, Kwande, and Guma, where residents were terrorized by the sudden onslaught. In the span of just three days, communities such as Ubele, Ochumekwu, Adija, Kano, and Ijaha in Apa LGA witnessed relentless attacks, with casualties mounting as the violence escalated.

Mr. Eche Akpoko, the National Chairman of Apa Development Association, expressed deep concern over the unabated attacks and loss of lives in Apa LGA. He confirmed that the assaults claimed the lives of five individuals in Ijaha-Ibele, three in Ochumekwu, one in Adija, and another in Kano community.

The violence further spread to Guma LGA, where a middle-aged farmer, Mr. Oryiman Ifa, fell victim to the brutality of the herders while working on his cassava farm. Ifa was reportedly attacked and left critically injured, prompting neighbors to rush him to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.

In a separate incident near the Cameroon boundary, villagers in Moon on River Mkomun found themselves besieged by marauding herders. Several individuals were reportedly trapped, facing imminent danger until some managed to escape upon payment of ransom to those facilitating their rescue.

Amidst the chaos, concerns have been raised over the escalating violence and the safety of communities in Benue State. While efforts to contain the situation are ongoing, the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, stated that official information regarding the attacks had not yet been received.

As authorities work to address the unfolding crisis, residents remain on edge, grappling with the aftermath of the brutal rampage that has claimed lives, shattered families, and plunged communities into mourning.