By Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani
Whatever economists will say about the tragic toll of bandit-terrorist conquest of Nigeria’s farm paradise of Benue State, the widows will recall one only one thing: seeing their husbands beheaded before their eyes.
Egwuma community, a peaceful and fertile land in Agatu County, located west of the Benue Capital of Makurdi and 188 km (117 miles) South of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, has been ravaged by the relentless attacks by jihadist militants, victims tell TruthNigeria. The attackers speak Fula, the language of the Fulani tribe, 9 million strong in Nigeria.
Why Fulanis Are After Lands of Benue Natives
“They wanted to come and graze their herds on our lands, but we insisted that we do not have lands for grazing since we are all farmers,” said Chief Danladi Danjuma, a tribal chief of Egwuma, to TruthNigeria.
His voice heavy with sorrow, he continued, “The Federal Government, under former President Muhammad Buhari, was the cause of our present predicament. They insisted we accommodate the Fulanis, but how can we welcome foreigners, murderers, and land grabbers?”
Another community leader, Mr. Gabriel Adikwu, painted a grim picture of the attacks, “Fulani Jihadists have attacked our community four times this year, with the latest ones on July 14 and August 11. We’ve lost 12 men, leaving behind their wives and children, many injured, 56 houses burned, and one church vandalized.” He listed the names of the 12 widows who lost their husbands.
“They want us to flee our villages, so they can occupy and rename them. Agatu land is bordered by River Benue, with fertile soil perfect for grazing. The Fulanis want to take our land by force, and we know Fulani elements in government are supporting them,” Adikwu said. “We’re pleading for help, for protection, for our rights to our land to be respected,” he added.
How Fulanis Terrorists Killed Our Husbands
The brutal reality of Fulani terrorism was laid bare in Ogwule-Kaduna county headquarters on Sunday, August 25, 2024 by some of the 12 widows. These widows, displaced from Egwuma precinct, shared their agonizing stories with TruthNigeria Correspondents, Mike Odeh and Ekani Olikita.
TruthNigeria had earlier reported the devastating attacks on Egwuma precinct, located 108km (67 miles) southwest of Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on July 14 and August 11. The widows’ narratives were a poignant reminder of the unspeakable horrors they endured.
As they shared their stories, the widows’ physical condition was a stark testament to their suffering. They looked emaciated from hunger, and even their babies looked starved, fragile and weak.
Mrs. Abetu Ochowechi’s voice trembled as she recounted the gruesome murder of her husband.
“My husband was killed on Sunday, July 14, 2024. The Fulani Jihadists who invaded our community shot him while he was running away from the sound of their sporadic gunshots. They followed him to make sure he was dead while we were hiding in the bush, watching them,” she continued.
“I and my 8 children escaped through the bush to Ogwule-Kaduna, and this is where we are staying without food, shelter, or clothing. We need help, as we are dying of starvation.”
Mrs. Maria Joseph’s story was equally heart-wrenching. “My husband, Joseph, was killed by Fulani terrorists. They pursued my husband until they caught him, beheaded him, and mutilated his body beyond recognition in my presence and that of his children.”
Her eyes welled up with tears as she pleaded, “I have 9 children, and we are staying here in Ogwule-Kaduna with one of our relatives. The children often go around, begging for food to eat as I can no longer take care of them. No clothes to wear and no bed to sleep on. I am begging the Nigerian government and the International Community to come to our help.”
As the widows shared their heart-wrenching tales, two young mothers, Mrs. Ojonekeche Jonah and Mrs. Dorcas Muhammad, clutched their newborn babies, their eyes brimming with tears.
“We are left to suffer, alone and adrift, with our newborn babies and other children, since the senseless murder of our husbands,” Mrs. Ojonekeche Jonah sobbed. “We have been forced to flee our homes, seeking refuge in Ogwule-Kaduna, with no aid in sight. Hunger and disease stalk us, threatening to claim our lives, too. We beg of you, please, have mercy on us. Help us, we implore you, government, individuals, and organizations, before it’s too late.”
“My husband, my rock, my protector, was butchered by Fulani terrorists, right before my eyes,” said Mrs. Ehi Echechofu Audu of the horrific events of Sunday, August 11, 2024.
“He tried to shield me and our children from the marauding killers, but they showed no mercy,” Mrs Audu said. “They beheaded him, cut him to pieces, and set our home ablaze, leaving us to flee for our lives. We escaped to a nearby bush and eventually found our way to Ogwule-Kaduna, but the trauma of that day will haunt me forever.”
Fulani Jihadists burned down churches in 9 villages
In a shocking and devastating turn of events, the Agatu community leader, Adikwu, related that Fulani terrorists have been carrying out systematic ethnic- cleansing attacks on their homeland, erasing churches in nine precincts.
“The sheer scale of destruction is staggering, with every single church in these precincts reduced to smoldering ruins. The once-thriving community is now left to pick up the pieces and wonder if they will ever be able to rebuild and recover from this senseless brutality,” Adikwu said to Truthnigeria.
“This latest atrocity is a grim reminder of the ongoing persecution and violence faced by the Agatu people at the hands of Fulani terrorists. The international community must take notice and demand action to protect this vulnerable community from further attacks,” Adikwu added.
Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani are conflict reporters for TruthNigeria.
