There is palpable fear and confusion in Benue state as gunmen suspected to be herdsmen reportedly attacked Okporikpo and Igama communities in Okpokwu Local Government area of the state killing 11 persons and injuring many others.
Reports gathered suggests that the attackers murdered only the youths and allowed women and children as well as the elderly to escape unhurt.
A source from the area, who pleaded to remain anonymous told journalists on phone that the gunmen stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, killed people and burnt down the entire buildings in the community.
The source insisted that “The attackers are Fulani herdsmen. They stormed the community in a commando manner between 4am and 6am this morning, killed some of the youths in the village and spared the elderly, children and women as they allowed them to run away.”
Confirming the killings, chairman of Okpokwu local government area, Mrs Amina Audu said they have recovered nine corpses, from the scene.
“I had the report that the Fulani herders stormed Igama community between 4:00 am and 6:00am today.
“As I am talking to you now, I am in the police station at Okpoga. Three corpses have been brought from the community and people from the area just told me that they are on their way coming with another six corpses to be taken to the mortuary.
“The attackers were said to have left women, children and the elderly to run away but attacked and killed youths in the community. They burnt down all the houses in the community.”
Also confirming the attack, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Catherine Anene, however said that the command was yet to get full details from officers who went to the scene.”
The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District, Mr. Abba Moro, has, strongly, condemned the killings with a call on the security agents to find the perpetrators and bring them to book.
Moro said “The attack on Okporikpo and Igama communities of Edumoga LG in the early hours of today, June 12, 2022, leading to wanton destruction of lives and property, stands condemned.
“I sympathise with the victims of the barbaric attack and call on security agents to go after and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime.”