Two killed, over 40 cows stolen as suspected herdsmen attack Benue community
Suspected Cattle Rustlers Attack Benue Community, Leaving Two Dead
Okpafie, Benue State — Suspected Fulani cattle rustlers launched an attack on the Okpafie community in the Okpokwu Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the theft of more than 40 cows.
The assault occurred on Tuesday night in Oyilawu village, located within the Okonobo Ward. Local residents reported that one of the victims, identified as Benjamin, a native of Okpafie, was fatally shot during the incident. The attackers reportedly absconded with over 40 head of cattle.
A local source, who wished to remain unnamed, stated that many young people from the community were occupied watching a football match at the time of the attack, which delayed their immediate response. By the time they mobilized, the assailants had already fled with the stolen livestock.
Furthermore, the source claimed that a member of the local vigilante was killed at Aidogodo while attempting to intervene and prevent the attackers from escaping.
This incident follows a recent attack on the Sai community in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, where armed herders reportedly killed several people, injured others, and set homes ablaze, forcing residents to evacuate. As of now, authorities have not released an official casualty figure for that assault.
The Benue State Police Command had not issued a statement regarding the latest incident in Okpokwu at the time of this report.