Tension As Fulani Herdsmen Invade And Occupy Five Villages In Benue State

 

Five communities in Agatu local government area of Benue State have reportedly been occupied by Fulani herdsmen, according to a report by Nigerian Tribune.

 

According to Mr  Adoka Adaji who is the Secretary General representing the communities in the state, the herdsmen "were at the moment occupying: Obihu, Olegoga, Olegeje and Igagisu communities allegedly brandishing sophisticated weapons."

 

Adaji stated that the presence of herdsmen in the communities had heightened tension.

 

”There are indications that the herdsmen forcefully entered the area even when the security personnel stationed at the borders between Benue and Nasarawa state tried to prevent them”, Adaji disclosed.

 

He appealed to Agatu people to remain calm in the face of provocation from the herdsmen, urging them not to take the law into their hands as everything would be done to protect them.

 

The group urged the state government to be proactive in handling the issue and commended Governor Samuel Ortom for the manner he had handled the herdsmen’s attacks so far.

 

” We are with him in all efforts being made to bring peace to the state”, Adaji Stated.

 

Former minister of state for Education, Professor Jerry Agada had at stakeholders meeting at government house, Makurdi on Monday decried the influx of herdsmen with their cattle in Agatu communities.

 

It would be recalled that ten communities of Agatu council area were attacked in February 2016 leading to the death of about 500 persons and property worth over N10 billion was reportedly destroyed.