The Fulani carnage in Owukpa community in Benue state has taken a different dimension as one person has been allegedly killed by the herdsmen who this evening invaded Ankpa village in the community.
DailyPost has also gathered that no fewer than 3 persons have been injured and are presently in critical condition. Report says a man’s hands were completely chopped off by the herdsmen.
DailyPost reports that problem started when the Owukpa people got tired of their of the herdsmen’s continuous stay in the land and told them to kindly relocate.
Apparently angered by their refusal to go, “some youths mobilized themselves and confronted them to leave the community immediately. In the process of the argument, one of youths snatched one of their motorbikes and fled.
In a quick reprisal, the Herdsmen invaded Atamaka and its neighbouring villages and destroyed some houses as well as their farm produce.
Speaking with the Councillor representative Ehaje World 11 in Ogbadibo LGA, Benue state, Fred Apochi, he said the Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Ada Ojor was in Ugbugbu, the headquarters of Ehaje Ward 11 to confirm the report he got. Fred said everything was calm until Sunday evening when the herdsmen returned to Ankpa to attack the villagers. Fred however could not confirm whether one person was killed as reported. He said, ” I’m the councillor representing Ehaje Ward 11 and as the Chief Security Officer, I can confirm to you that everything is under control. The Benue State Police Commissioner would be in Ugbugbu with his men tomorrow. The Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman was also here yesterday. We will ensure that everything is brought under control. We will keep you posted on other development.” Fred said.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with DailyPost however said that the entire Owukpa community is in disarray as people have deserted their homes to either Enugu state or Okpokwu LGA. They decried total absence of Policemen, thereby leaving them in the hands of gun-wielding Fulani herdsmen.
