Residents Break Silence After Latest Benue Bloodshed, Make Emotional Appeal

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Fear has continued to spread across several communities in Benue State as suspected Fulani herdsmen allegedly sustain deadly attacks on residents.

ZINGTIE reports that communities in Benue South, predominantly inhabited by the Idoma people, have become the epicentre of the latest wave of violence.

The renewed attacks have reportedly claimed close to 60 lives, with Otukpo Local Government Area emerging as the worst-hit location.

The violence, blamed on suspected armed herdsmen, has sparked widespread demonstrations and triggered a humanitarian crisis, as angry youths carried the bodies of victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma, the paramount traditional ruler of the Idoma nation.

Several residents believe the latest attacks may be retaliatory, following the June 26 killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isa.

The fresh violence followed a viral threat allegedly issued by an unidentified Fulani man, who warned that Benue residents would “regret” the killing of the MACBAN chairman.

ZINGTIE reports that at least 10 people were confirmed dead after separate attacks allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The violence began when suspected attackers invaded Akpachi village in the Ugboju community, killing two residents and leaving several others with varying degrees of injuries.

Less than 24 hours later, another attack occurred in Otukpo Nobi community, where eight more people reportedly lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries.

Within 48 hours of the incident, residents of Ondo community in Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, abandoned their homes following another invasion by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of the day and opened fire indiscriminately, forcing residents to flee.

About two days later, suspected armed herders allegedly invaded Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, located along the Otukpo-Oweto-Abuja Road in Ohimini Local Government Area, where they shot at residents and looted several provision stores.

The assailants reportedly fired repeatedly upon entering the area, sending traders, customers and other residents fleeing for safety.

Confirming the incident, Ohimini Local Government Chairman, Mr Gabriel Adole, identified the attackers as suspected armed herdsmen.

“Yes, there was an attack this morning between 8am and 9am by suspected armed herdsmen. They came to Ankpechi community in Oglewu Ward, shooting sporadically. They shot one person, forcing residents to scamper for safety,” Adole said.

‘Our blood not worthless’ – Idoma diaspora demands urgent action over Benue killings

Reacting to the renewed violence, the Idoma Association in the United States appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take swift and decisive steps to halt the persistent killings across Benue South Senatorial District.

The association described the attacks on Idoma communities as a prolonged campaign of violence that has continued for more than a decade.

It further characterised the attacks as the “wanton slaughter, maiming and total annihilation” of the Idoma people by suspected armed herdsmen.

“With a high sense of responsibility and a bleeding heart, we are compelled to draw your attention, Your Excellency, to the wanton slaughter, maiming and total annihilation of our people, the good people of Idoma land in Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State by bloodthirsty herdsmen, a barbarism that has lasted over a decade unhindered,” the group stated.

Idoma UK Community urges Benue Govt to hunt down perpetrators

Similarly, the Idoma Community United Kingdom (ICUK) urged the Benue State Government to collaborate with security agencies in identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the attacks in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas.

The appeal followed an emergency meeting convened by the diaspora organisation after the killings, which reportedly left several people dead and displaced many residents.

In a communiqué signed by ICUK President, Chief Dr. Williams Obande, the group condemned what it described as the senseless killing of innocent Idoma people and called for justice.

“We strongly condemn the brutal killings of innocent Idoma people and call on the Benue State Government to work closely with security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes,” the communiqué read.

Speaking with ZINGTIE, one of the protesters at the Och’Idoma palace, Ojima Inalegwu, said 16 people, including her sister and two children, were killed in the Otukpo Nobi attack.

“I am in great pain. As I speak to you now, I’m drenched in tears. I lost my only sister and her two children.

“The question I have been asking is, ‘When will all these end?’ It appears the Federal and state governments have left us to our fate. It’s quite unfortunate,” she lamented.

Another emotional protester, Anebi Ogwu, alleged that a three-year-old child was killed while strapped to his mother’s back as she fled, while a seven-year-old child sweeping outside a church at about 5 a.m. was also shot dead. He added that the nearly 90-year-old clan head of Ai-Ochaikpigwu, Ebegidi Ukwenya, sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and stomach.

“Before the attack, one Fulani young man boldly made a viral video, threatening that they were coming to attack the Idoma nation. Instead of the government taking pro-active measures, it did not.

“Maybe it’s because this thing has not happened to any of these top government officials, that’s why they did not feel it,” he said.

Another resident, identified simply as Olotu, criticised the local government chairmen across Benue South, accusing them of showing little concern over the recurring attacks in Idoma communities.

He said, “Remember when the Benue MACBAN president was murdered. All the Local Government chairmen were running helter-skelter to television and radio houses, condemning the act.

“I’m not justifying the killing of the man. But now that scores of Idoma sons and daughters are being gruesomely killed in cold blood, they have all gone to their shells. Shame on them,” he said.

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