Fulani herdsmen again have invaded another community in Benue State. This time the Ugondo community in Logo Local Government Area, where they killed at least 15 villagers, the Punch reports.
According to the report, the killer-herdsmen razed a part of the community and took over the deserted villages.
A fleeing member of the attacked community said, “The people were shooting sporadically and the villagers fled, including myself and members of my family for fear of being killed.
“The situation in Ugondo at the moment is scary and we are helpless. It’s as if we are at war. The mission of the invaders is to occupy and take over our villages.
“It’s a pathetic situation because corpses are littering the community though one cannot give a specific number of the dead which should not be less than 15. But I know that the casualty figure could be huge because many have been wounded as bullets continue to fly around.
“The people are also burning down houses, farms and foodstuff as they move into the villages in what looks like a well-coordinated attack.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the invasion. He however claimed that only five persons were killed and one injured but was unsure if the victim later died.
The attack on Logo comes on the heels of a recent attack on Ukum LGA in the state, where over 30 persons were reportedly killed by Fulani herders.
Also in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State, suspected Fulani herdsmen on Thursday gunned down a 45 year old father of a two months baby, who was on a motorcycle on his way home from his farm. The incident threw the village into mourning.
The killing has spiked tension among local residents of the area, causing all Fulani herdsmen in the area to flee for safety.
The wife of the deceased, Priscilia Nwadei (née Egugbo), a nursing mother of a two-month old baby, as at going to press, was still in coma due to the shock of her husband’s death.
Investigations reveal that the residents of the area and herdsmen have been having a running battle over the alleged abduction of two persons in the community.
A community source said, “A lawyer and another person were kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen, and the deceased unfortunately passed through the kidnappers’ den and was killed. The lawyer was driving a Sports Utility Vehicle and after paying the ransom, he was freed. He (the lawyer) confirmed that he witnessed the killing.”
A former Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Aneke Ifemeni confirmed the incident and expressed deep shock at the killing.
The ex-lawmaker said, “Between Ossissa and Isselegu junction, I encountered Fulani herdsmen when I was travelling to my village, Onicha-Ukwuani. They opened fire on me but God saw me through.”
The spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Celestine Kalu als confirmed the incident and said that investigation has started. But said no suspect has been arrested in connection with the crime
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