Gunmen kill 5 hunters in fresh attack on Benue community

At least five hunters have been reportedly killed by alleged armed invaders in a fresh attack on the Okpomaju community of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. Our correspondent reports the fresh attacks were on the heels of a confrontation between the hunters and the alleged armed invaders believed to be herders which led […]

At least five hunters have been reportedly killed by alleged armed invaders in a fresh attack on the Okpomaju community of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Our correspondent reports the fresh attacks were on the heels of a confrontation between the hunters and the alleged armed invaders believed to be herders which led to the killing of three people barely 24 hours earlier, bringing the death toll to eight.

Locals said the invaders attacked the hunters’ community on Wednesday evening, killing five people and injuring several others despite the intervention of the Och’Otukpo Odu, Chief John Eimonye and the leaders of herders in the area to check the crisis.

The locals also said many houses were torched by the attackers who shot indiscriminately during the invasion causing pandemonium among residents.

“In the process, they killed Peter, popularly known as JPG and Moses, while others ran into the nearby bushes. So far, we have recovered three dead bodies from those who ran to the bush making a total of five. The fifth was recovered near the Odudaje stream.

“As I speak with you, we are at the graveside for the burial of one of the victims and are awaiting the other bodies from the mortuary,” a local who preferred anonymity told journalists in Makurdi.

Meanwhile, the latest development has triggered further displacement of residents, not just from Okpomaju but from the contiguous villages of Odudaje, Amla, Emichi and Otukpo-Icho, among others.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Maxwell Ogiri, said security agents, including soldiers and the police, are already in Okpomaju to protect the residents and forestall further breakdown of law and order.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene confirmed the incident but did not give any details.