Violence has erupted once more in Benue State, as armed herders launched attacks on several communities in Apa county. The attacks, which began on Tuesday, March 19, have left more than 15 people dead, with several injured and many others unaccounted for.
The rampaging terrorists reportedly stormed Akpete, Ugbobi, Ijaha, Edikwu Oji, and Iyanpu communities, wreaking havoc for three days. Residents fled their homes in fear as gunfire rang out, with reports of houses and farmlands destroyed.
According to the National Chairman of the Apa Development Association, Mr. Eche Akpoko, the attacks started on Tuesday and continued until Thursday. “It has become a routine and this time around, they have no regard for children and women,” Akpoko said.
A member of the State legislative body, Mr. Abu Umoru, representing Apa County [Local Governance Area], said the recent attacks have caused widespread fear and displacement.
“The entire Edikwu community has been displaced. Opaha, where I come from, nobody is in the community. Odugbo, nobody is there. Akpete, Ikobi, Akpanta, Ochumekwu, Ijaha and Adija communities have all been deserted,” he said.
This is not the first time clashes over land-grabbing have plagued Benue state. The State has a long history of violence rooted in competition for land and resources.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
