Again, Herders storm Benue, kill soldiers, 15 others

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Herders have again thrown the people of Edikwu in Benue state into mourning mood as they stormed the village and killed not less than 17 people in a recent attack.

According to reports, a commanding officer, one soldier and 15 other people were killed by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.

The herders attacked the home of the House of Assembly member, repressing Apa, Hon Abi Umoro and the state Commissioner of finance, Hon David Olofu, which are Odogbo, Opaha communities.

This attack came days after the Fulani herdsmen stormed Ankpali community in Edikwu, the ward of Labour Party chairman, Mr Nathaniel Ochoche and killed three people.

It was reported that the attacked on the communities looked like a coordinated attack.

An indigene identified as Kole stated that part of the 17 corpses recovered during the attack were the bodies of two military personnel.

“Among the 17 corpses so far recovered this morning (yesterday) from the attacked communities were the remains of two military personnel and one of them was the Commander of the troops that went to confront the armed Fulani herdsmen when the attack was going on.”he said.

Mr. Eche Akpoko, the community chairman of Apa confirmed the sad incident and stated that 10 bodies was also recovered but still waiting for an update from the besieged communities.

Mr. Olofu who hails from Opaha and also the state commissioner of finance also confirmed the attack stating that 15 villager bodies and two soldiers had been recovered.

The Police Relation Officer, SP Catherine Anene also confirmed the recent attack as she said she’s yet to received full details of the development.