Several persons have been feared killed following a fresh attack on Ojatele community in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders.
The attack, which occurred on Friday evening, reportedly left many residents with varying degrees of injuries, while several others are still missing.
A local resident who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said the attackers stormed the community with a large number of cattle before opening fire on villagers who were returning from their cashew farms.
According to the source, the attack was unprovoked.
“It was an unprovoked attack. The armed herders came with large cows and were grazing unhindered.
“But they saw some women and children who went to their cashew farms to collect cashew nuts. On their way back home, the armed herdsmen opened fire and started shooting innocent people and overran the community.
“The number of dead victims and those injured would be more than 15 which made our people run away. So far, we have recovered about 15 corpses and 11 others who were injured. We have evacuated the injured ones to the hospital in Ugbokpo, headquarters of Apa Local Government Area,” the source said.
Another resident of the community, who identified himself as Abu Abel, also confirmed the attack, stating that more than 15 persons were killed during the incident.
“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 aid. There is no security in the whole area. These are innocent people who went to look for their daily bread who were killed unjustifiably,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Mr. Adams Ada Ochega, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to receive a full report.
“Yes, there was an attack on Ojatele community in Apa Local Government, but I was not around in the local government area. I was 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 for you. So, for now I can’t speak further,” he said.
Attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful as calls to her mobile phone were not answered at the time of filing this report.
