At least 33 persons were feared dead in a fresh
outbreak of fighting between suspected Fulani
herdsmen and native farmers in Agatu Local
Government Area of Benue State.
According to eyewitnesses, the crisis which erupted
Saturday and lasted till yesterday, led to the death of
some who burnt beyond recognition. Over 30 houses
and huts were also razed, including several farmlands
and fish ponds owned by the natives.
“The Fulani herdsmen had invaded Ojantele, Okpagabi
and Ibadan in Agatu council on Saturday, killing close
to 10 people,” the source supplied.
“From there, they ambushed about three people from
Agatu, who were going to a neighbouring villages in
Apa Local Government Area of the state and
slaughtered them in cold blood.”
“The unwarranted killing and destruction of houses,
huts and farms prompted a reprisal attack on Sunday
at the Fulani settlement in a boarder village between
Apa and Agatu, where a free for all ensued leading to
the death of many more people.
“The development has led to villagers living at the
border of both Apa and Agatu councils fleeing their
abode and taking refuge in neighouring towns and
villages for fear of being killed by the mercenaries,
who have taken over the fighting.”
Confirming the incident, Secretary, Miyette Allah
Cattle Breeders Association, Benue State chapter,
Garus Gololo told Journalists that last night that no
fewer than 20 Fulanis were killed in the fighting.
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