Couple, their only child and 7 others killed in attack by suspected herdsmen in Benue

An attack launched by suspected herdsmen on some communities in Benue state, has left a couple, their only child and seven others dead. 

The communities affected in the latest attacks include Akpanta, Ochumeko and Ijaha in Apa Local Government Area, LGA, where three persons were murdered in cold blood; and Ucheen, a border community between Makurdi and Gwer West LGAs where six persons lost their lives.

Vanguard reported that National Chairman of Apa Development Association, Mr Eche Akpoko, who confirmed the attack in Apa LGA explained that the invaders stormed and razed the affected communities at the weekend after killing the victims.

He said; 

“Akpanta and Ogwuji villages were burnt down and the attackers killed three people at Ijaha village.”

The Ter Makurdi, Chief Vincent Aule who confirmed the attack in Ucheen said the armed herders killed six persons in the community while another fell and died on seeing the remains of his murdered relatives.

Aule said; 

“Yes it happened in Ucheen village, after Adaka, a border community in Makurdi. The armed herdsmen came in at 2:30am and killed about six persons.

“Among those killed were one woman, her husband and their child. Besides that, three others were killed, the people were sleeping when the attackers came and killed them in their sleep.

“There was another person who also died. The man was related to the murdered husband and wife. He came that morning and saw them lying lifeless on the ground, he collapsed and eventually died after being rushed to the hospital.

“We have no issues with these people but they have been coming there to attack the people. We have reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police and the Security Adviser.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Catherine Anene who confirmed the attack in Ucheen said five persons were killed. She said security personnel had been drafted to the area while the corpses of those killed had been recovered and deposited at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Makurdi. 

On the attacks on communities in Apa LGA, she said she’s yet to receive details of the incident.