From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
Executive Chairman of Ado local government council of Benue State, Engr. Sunday Oche has raised the alarm over rampaging of armed herders in some communities.
He said that innocent farmers and other members of the communities are being attacked and matcheted, adding that the latest was their attack on mourners in Ulayi axis.
Engr. Oche lamented that in the last two days, armed herders went on the rampage in three communities of Ijigban, Ulayi and Utonkon,where they attacked mourners, farmers and inflicted severe injuries on no fewer than two persons and also went away with three motorcycles.
He raised the alarm on Monday while speaking with newsmen in Makurdi.
The Ado council boss intimated that armed herdsmen had between Saturday and Sunday afternoon, ambushed and attacked mourners who were taking a body from a mortuary at Igumale to their home town in Ulayi community for burial.
According to him, the marauders succeeded in matcheting two persons identified as, Hon. Philip Okpekwu and Dr. Benedict Ogaba.
“These illustrious sons of the area were injured, and the attackers carted away their motorcycle,
“The injury sustained by Philip Okpekwu was much and we were able to convey him to general hospital in Igumale for immediate medical attention and all the bills paid. However, there is no improvement and so, on Monday, he was referred to Benue State University Teaching Hospital Makurdi.
“We have given those herders a hot chase to Akparata axis in Ulayi. The herders have devised a new strategy to attack my people. However, we have mounted a roadblock, embarked on constant surveillance around Ijigban community and Ulayi corridor.
“Just this morning (Monday), I got a report from Philip Okpekwu that he is bleeding from his nose. He is currently at the teaching hospital Makurdi.
“The one that happened in Utonkon axis yesterday where the herders attacked farmers has be brought under control. Those herders were arrested and they have agreed to pay compensation for the crops they have destroyed.
“I am calling on the federal government in collaboration with the state government to deploy more security personnel to areas where armed herders are threatening the peace of our people”, he said
When contacted, the Benue State command police public relations officer PPRO DSP Udeme Edet said she would get back to journalists on the matter.
However, at the time of filing this report, she is yet to get back to journalists.
