Group condemns massacre of 89 persons by armed herders in Benue
…. Calls for State government intervention
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
A Social Cultural umbrella body under the aeges of Apa Development Association (ADA), from Apa Local Government Area of the state has condemned in its entirety the killing of 89 Apa innocent people by suspected armed herdsmen between January to April, 2023 cutting across 31 communities.
The chairman of the Association, Barr. Eche Akpoko made the disclosure to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi, stating that the entire local government area was under siege following the renewed and sustained herders attacks in the area.
Akpoko explained that the 89 persons were killed at different occasions in 31 communities from January 2023 till date and added that the people have suffered both human and material colossal damages during this period.
He explained that 40 persons were killed in Ope-Ikobi, Ochi-Ikobi, Olugwu-Ikobi, Inowa-Ikobi, Olegoncha-Ikobi, Ijaha-Iknobi, Imana-Iknobi and Oleoke-Ikobi communities at different instances.
According to him, another 20 were killed in 9 communities of Ebugodo-Edikwu, Ankpali-Edikwu, Olegijamu-Edikwu, Olekele-Edikwu, Ukpogo-Edikwu, Edikuw-Icho, Edikwu-Oladoga, Okwiji-Edikwu and Ojecho-Edikwu.
He further explained that five persons were also killed in Oiji-Ipole, Oiji-Efu, Oiji-Jos, Oiji-Oshodi, Oiji-Highelevel and Oiji-New Jerusalem.
The chairman also revealed that another five persons were killed at Ugbobi including a village head, while 8 persons were killed at Odugbo and 5 at Olegogba.
He said 2 persons were killed each in Akpanta and Iyapu and one each at Akpete and Opaha respectively.
The chairman explained that despite the attacks, killings, and displacements of the people of the area, there was no single designated camp or form of assistance from the government.
He disclosed that hundreds of the affected persons were either cohabitating with other people in the remaining communities or roaming about.
He stated that the association was not satisfied with the efforts of the security operatives posted in the area to restore law and order.
The association chairman tasked the state governnment to ensure adequate security for the protection of lives and property of the Apa people.
Akpoko further urged all concerned to educate and sensitize their kinsmen to embrace modern techniques of animals rearing and show respect for human sanctity.
