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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