POLICE INVESTIGATE FRESH HERDERS’ ATTACKS IN BENUE COMMUNITIES
Read Time:2 Minute, 3 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Benue State Police Command has launched an investigation into fresh killings in Ado and Ohinmini Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state following renewed attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders between Monday and Tuesday.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed the development on Wednesday, saying security operatives were already on top of the situation.
“The command is on top of the situation and has commenced investigation on the incidents,” Edet said.
Reports indicate that about five people were killed in the separate attacks, with several others missing, forcing residents to flee their communities.
The affected communities include Rijo in Ado LGA and Anwuel in Ohinmini LGA.
At Rijo, a barber and farmer identified as Thomas Edeh was reportedly shot dead on his farm by the assailants. The attackers were said to have invaded the community located about six kilometres from Igumale town, headquarters of Ado LGA around 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday.
A community leader and former leader of the Ado Legislative Council, who spoke anonymously, described the killing as unfortunate, alleging that the victim had often warned the herders against stealing his yams.
“It’s very unfortunate. He persistently warned them to stop stealing from his farm, but the best they could do was eliminate him,” the source said.
He added that farming activities in the area had become extremely risky due to frequent attacks.
Efforts to reach the Ado LGA Chairman, Sunday Oche, were unsuccessful as his phone line did not connect.
However, the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, who represents Ado LGA, condemned the attack and urged security agencies to intensify protection for residents.
Similarly, the Chairman of Ohinmini LGA, Adole Gabriel, confirmed that four people were killed in his area between Monday and Tuesday. He said he had reported the incident to the state government and security agencies.
“Four people were killed between Monday and Tuesday by armed herders. The government has already deployed security personnel to the area,” Gabriel said.
The latest violence comes despite recent peace efforts following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security operatives to track down criminal elements terrorizing the state after the Yelwata massacre, which claimed over 200 lives earlier in the year.
The renewed wave of attacks, which reportedly began in Logo LGA before spreading to Ado and Ohinmini, has raised fears that Benue’s fragile peace may be under threat once again.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0