Over 15 killed, many injured, others missing as herdsmen launched fresh attack on Benue community 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Over 15 people have been  killed in an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Ojatele community, in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

A source from the area told  journalists on phone in Makurdi, that the attack, occurred on Friday afternoon and equally left many community members with vary degrees of injuries, while several others have  gone missing.

A community member who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the attackers arrived with a large number of cattle before suddenly opening fire on residents who were returning from their cashew farmers.

“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  to run away. 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”, the source  explained.

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.

When contacted on phone, Apa Local Government Chairman, Mr.Adams Ada Ochega, confirmed the incidence, saying that he was yet to get full report 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 reaction from the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, DSP Udeme Edet, proved abortive as she could not respond to text messages or calls.