From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A total of 15 people have been killed in an attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Ojatele community, in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
A source from the area told journalists on the phone in Makurdi, that the attack, which occurred on Friday afternoon left many with varying degrees of injuries, either several others missing.
A community member who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the attackers arrived with a large number of cattle before suddenly opening fire on residents who were returning from their cashew farms.
“It was an unprovoked attack. The armed herders came with large cows, and were grazing unhindered. But they saw some of women and children who went to their cashew farms to collect cashew nuts. On their way back home, the armed herdsmen suddenly opened fire and started shooting innocent people and overran the community.
“The number of the dead and those injured would be more than the figure we have seen, if not for the fact that our people quickly ran away.
“So far, we have recovered about 15 corpses and 11 others that were injured. We have evacuated the injured ones to the hospital in Ugbokpo, the headquarters of Apa Local Government Area”, the source explained.
Another member who identified himself as Abu Abel confirmed the incident, saying, “it was herdsmen that attacked the community this afternoon and killed over 15 persons.”
Abel described the incidence as unprovoked and unwarranted. “ Our community is now completely deserted. We are calling on 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 that were killed unjustifiably”, he said.
When contacted on phone, the Apa Local Government Chairman, Mr.Adams Ada Ochega, confirmed the attack , saying he was yet to receive
full report of the attack.
“Yes, there was an attack on Ojatele community in Apa Local Government, but i am not around in the local government area. I am away in an official journey. However, my attention has been drawn to the incidence. You can call me in the evening tomorrow. By then I should have enough information to you. So, for now I can’t speak further, thanks”, he said.
Efforts to get reaction from the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, DSP Udeme Edet, proved abortive as she did not respond to text messages or calls.
