TEN KILLED, AS ARMED HERDSMEN TAKES OVER BENUE COMMUNITIES

A recent assault by suspected armed herdsmen in Iwili community, Umogidi Ward, and Entekpa community, both situated in the Adoka District of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State, has resulted in the presumed death of at least 10 individuals.

Reports from the area indicate that the attacks left numerous people injured, prompting local residents to abandon the affected villages out of fear for their lives. 

Sources reveal that the armed herdsmen, believed to have originated from Agatu LGA, initially targeted the villages on a Saturday afternoon.

The communities’ youths resisted the attackers, who retreated briefly only to regroup and launch a second assault in the evening. During this renewed attack, the armed herdsmen overran the communities, claiming the lives of over 10 individuals and leaving several others injured.

The source stated, “They came from Agatu, which they have been attacking since the beginning of the year. They came through Upaha in Apa LGA and accessed Iwili community in Umuogidi from where they also stormed Entekpa.”

Despite efforts by the local youths to resist the assailants, they faced challenges due to being armed with traditional weapons such as dane guns, while the armed herdsmen wielded more sophisticated firearms. The situation has led to a tense atmosphere in Adoka and Otukpo.

Although security personnel have reportedly been deployed to the affected communities, the villages remain under the control of the armed herdsmen. The bodies of the deceased have not yet been retrieved, heightening the prevailing tension in the area.

Efforts to reach the Caretaker Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Alfred Oketa, proved unsuccessful. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, stated that she had not received information on the incident at that time