Protesters overrun Och’Idoma palace as herdsmen’s attacks claim 18 in Benue

…Alia mourns, says attackers attempt to sabotage progress made

At least 18 farmers have been killed by armed men suspected to be marauding herdsmen in separate attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

BusinessDay gathered from a local identified himself as Inalegwu Onche that the attacks had triggered tension and protests by angry youths, who marched to the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo town, carrying the corpses of some slain victims to register their grievances with the paramount ruler.

The protesters, who were also carrying fresh leaves and palm fronds, lamented the worsening security situation in the area and demanded urgent Government’s intervention.

Onche said the latest wave of invasion began on Saturday when suspected herdsmen attacked Akpachi Village in Ugboju Community, killing two persons and leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.

Less than 24 hours later, the attackers reportedly struck Otukpo Nobi Community in the early hours of Sunday, killing 16 farmers on the spot, injuring scores, while several others are missing up till date.

According to him many residents believe the renewed violence may be connected to the recent killing of Risku Mohammed, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and his associate, Yakubu Isah.

The two were killed around Okwudu in Otukpo Local Government Area barely one month ago shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area of the State.

He said the fresh attacks had heightened fears of reprisals and deepened anxiety among rural communities that depend largely on farming for livelihood.

Many of the displaced are said to be taking refuge in Otukpo town, while others have fled to neighboring communities for safety.

It also gathered that there is influx of herdmen and their cattle in Amla settlement, a stone throw to Otukpo-nobi the attack community, the influx has made neighbouring communities like Okpamaju, Imichi among others desert for safety, abandoning farming this cropping season.

When contacted, Udeme Edet, the Police Public Relations Officer, in a WhatsApp message said, “I will give details when I get them. Please bear with me.”

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Benue State Governor, has vowed that his Administration would not allow any community in the State to be turned into a killing field.

The governor was reacting to the Sunday invasion of Akpachi Village and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, where suspected armed herdsmen killed 10 farmers and injured several others.

In a statement issued by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary, the governor condemned the early morning attacks as a barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of Benue people.

According to the statement, the attackers invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep, killing scores and leaving many others with varying degrees of injuries.

Governor Alia expressed sadness over the killings and said the attacks were a direct attempt to sabotage the progress being made in the State.

“I am particularly pained that the attacks occurred at a time when the state government has been working closely with traditional rulers and security agencies to foster lasting peace and harmony.

“While the people of Benue have consistently demonstrated remarkable restraint and a commitment to peace, such restraint must never be mistaken for weakness”, the governor said.

The governor added that he shared in the grief and anger of the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District, saying: “Your lives are precious, and I can assure you that your ancestral lands will not be surrendered to fear.”

Governor Alia also directed security agencies in the State to liaise with their counterparts in neighboring States and “swing into action” with renewed vigor by intensifying surveillance and patrols across affected communities and border areas.”