The Chairman of Apa Traditional Council in Apa Local Government Area of Benue state and Odejo K’ Apa, Chief John Antenyi, has raised the alarm over the killing of many of his subjects and sacking of several communities in his dormain by suspected armed herdsmen.
The invaders were reported to have also invaded communities in neighbouring Agatu as well as Guma and Kwande LGAs where several persons were killed and many others sustained serious injuries in over three weeks of sustained attacks.
The royal father lamented that communities in his domain like Ikpobi, Odugbo, Akpanta, Ologba, Oyiji among others had been taken over by the invaders in a ceaseless attack on his subjects.
According to the traditional ruler, “Fulanis are invading our Local Government and some communities like Ikpobi, Odugbo, Akpanta, Ologba and Oyiji have come under severe attacks. There have been killings and destruction of farm crops in those communities.
Reacting, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Paul Hemba (retd.), Who confirmed the development, hinted that the State had been witnessing large influx of armed herders and cattle in the last few weeks.
He noted that security personnel were overstretched particularly during the general elections assuring that with the elections now over, security surveillance would be intensified in the communities.
Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed that attacks were recorded in the Apa and Agatu axis of the state; adding that “herders are always moving to the communities including Guma LGA.”
