In a tragic turn of events, bandits have claimed the lives of seven individuals in Yongia Uambie Tiev, located in the Ukembrergya/Tswarev ward within the Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.According to Anawah Joseph, a community leader, the harrowing incident occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday.
Joseph revealed that the assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, descended upon the community in significant numbers. “The Tuesday attack commenced around 4 pm and persisted until 8 pm.
Then, on Wednesday, they resumed their onslaught. It was evident that they had not come merely to graze but to launch a brutal attack,” Joseph recounted.
Multiple fatalities were reported in the aftermath of the attack, as confirmed by Rev Adagbe Jonathan, the Chairman of the local government. Jonathan stated, “The attack spanned Tuesday and Wednesday, resulting in seven casualties.
“He elaborated further, “On Tuesday, two lives were tragically cut short, followed by an additional five fatalities on Wednesday evening in Yongia Ukambie Tiev, within the Ukembrergya/Tswarev ward. “Jonathan attributed the attacks to herdsmen, noting their audacious presence even during his assessment tour. He expressed frustration, stating, “Even as I ventured into the area, they continued to graze on the other side of the road, asserting that the territory belonged to Taraba State.
They remained unreachable, and I have since reported the matter to various authorities.”Meanwhile, Abu Umoru, the lawmaker representing Apa State constituency in the state Assembly, decried the incessant assaults on his constituency. Umoru lamented the desolation of nine communities in the Apa LGA due to bandit attacks.
“The entire Edikpo Community has been displaced, and Opaha, my hometown, lies deserted. Odugbo, Akpete, Ikobi, Akpata, Idiaha, Ochumekwu, Adiga—all these communities are devoid of inhabitants,” Umoru disclosed.He continued, “Every day, they set fire to houses in Akpete. Over the past three days alone, they have relentlessly razed homes after driving residents away from their ancestral lands.
The frequency of ambushes and senseless killings has rendered it impossible to ascertain the exact number of casualties.”Efforts to obtain a response from the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, proved futile as calls went unanswered, and text messages remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
Credit: Vanguard News