Suspected Herdsmen Kill 15, Injure Others In Benue Community

At least 15 persons have been reportedly killed and several others injured following an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Ojantele community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.

A source in the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attack occurred on Friday afternoon, leaving many residents with varying degrees of injuries, while several others are still missing.

According to the source, the attack was unprovoked.

“The armed herders came with a large number of cattle and were grazing freely.

When some women and children were returning from their cashew farms, the herdsmen suddenly opened fire and began shooting indiscriminately, overrunning the community.

“The number of those killed and injured could have been much higher if our people had not fled. So far, about 15 corpses have been recovered, while 11 injured persons have been treated. The wounded have been evacuated to a hospital in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa Local Government Area,” the source said.

Another community member, who identified himself simply as Abu, also confirmed the incident, alleging that the attackers were herdsmen.

“It was herdsmen who attacked the community this afternoon, killing more than 15 people.

The attack was
unprovoked and completely unwarranted.

“Our community is now deserted. We are calling on the government to intervene. These were innocent people trying to earn a living who were killed unjustifiably,” he said.

When contacted, the chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Mr Adams Ochega, confirmed the attack but said he had yet to receive a full report on the incident.

“Yes, there was an attack on Ojantele community, but I am currently away on an official assignment. My attention has been drawn to the incident, and I will be able to provide more details tomorrow,” he said.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.