Over 15 people killed as suspected armed herdsmen invade Benue community

Over 15 people have been killed in a recent invasion of the Ojatele community in the Apa Local Government Area of Benue State by some suspected armed herdsmen, locals have said.

Residents of the community said the attack occurred at noon on Friday leaving the community members in pain, agony and disarray.

One of the locals who spoke on the incident said the suspected armed herders invaded the community, inflicting residents with various degrees of injuries.

He also stated that while others are still missing, several others have abandoned their homes in their quest for safety.

Confirming the incident, Peter Oche, a resident, said the attackers invaded the community with a large number of cattle and opened fire on the residents.

According to Oche, the attack carried out on farmers returning from their cashew farms was unprovoked.

“It was an unprovoked attack, the armed herdsmen came with large cows and were grazing unhindered, but when they saw some women and children who went to their cashew farms going back home, they opened fire on them, killed some persons, and others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The number of dead victims and those injured would be more than the figure we have seen, because most people ran away.

” So far, we have recovered about 15 corpses and 11 others who were injured,” Oche said.

He also noted that efforts have been made by leaders of the community to evacuate the injured one to a nearby hospital in Ugbokpo, headquarters of Apa Local Government Area.

Another resident who identified himself as James Agbo said, “It was herdsmen that attacked the community this afternoon and killed over 15  persons.

“Our community is now completely deserted. We are calling on the government to come to our rescue.

There is no security in the whole area. These are innocent people who went to look for their daily bread who were killed unjustifiably,” Agbo noted.

Also speaking the Local Government Chairman of Apa LGA, Adams Ada Ochega, while confirming the incident said he is yet to get details of the attack.

“Yes, there was an attack on the Ojatele community in Apa Local Government, but I’m not in the local government area. I’m away for an official journey.”

“However, my attention has been drawn to the incident. You can call me by tomorrow evening, then I can have enough information. So, for now, I can’t speak further, thanks,” Ada said.