Plateau State, the North-Central of Nigeria, in the last two months, has been under intensed attacks by Fulani militias over land disputes involving herders and farmers.
Though, some analysts have dismissed the rhetoric as mere camouflage, stressing that the ongoing attacks both in Plateau and Benue is nothing but ethnic cleansing.
Between March-end and April, more than 100 casualties were reported in a tide of violent attacks by the militia group, targeting communities across the region.
The latest round of bloodletting, which took place on April 14, heaped sorrow on the families of at least 51 victims within the Zike and Kimakpa communities of the Bassa local government area.
According to Joseph Chudu Yonkpa, national publicity secretary of the Irigwe Youth Movement, nearly 1,000 residents have been displaced by the violence.
In a video shared by Emmanuel Ogebe, an international human rights lawyer and advocate for the Chibok Girls, on the US Law Group Facebook page, some group of pastors from Pleatau State, were seen displaying high caliber bullets used by the Fulani militias that have killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands from their ancestral homes.
See pictures below:
In Benue State, the story is not different.
At least three communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State came under coordinated attacks on Wednesday by the rogue group, which forced residents to flee in droves.
The communities – Emichi, Okpomaju and Odudaje – were raided barely 24 hours after a vicious assault on Otobi village that claimed about 13 lives, including children.
Witnesses recounted terrifying experiences even as most of the people, including women and children, have fled their homes to the main town of Otukpo for safety.
Several persons, according to residents, sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to different hospitals.
The chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the assaults, stating that the attacks occurred while the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabnet, was on a visit to the Ochidoma palace.
He noted that security operatives responded immediately and forced the attackers to retreat.
“The attacks have persisted in these communities, leading to the displacement of women and children. Only young men were left behind when the assailants struck on Wednesday,” Ogiri said.
He also disclosed that three people sustained injuries, adding that security operatives had been drafted to stabilise the affected areas.
11 bodies recovered from Otobi attack
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the Tuesday attack on Otobi village, after which 11 bodies were recovered as of Wednesday morning.
He also confirmed the arrest of three suspected herders in connection with the Otobi massacre.
While addressing newsmen in Makurdi, Governor Alia said the National Security Adviser (NSA) had assured of additional deployment of security personnel to the troubled areas.
On Wednesday, the Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, visited Otobi on behalf of the governor, where he offered relief support to the devastated residents and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restore peace.
Former Senate President, David Mark condemn attack.
Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, on Wednesday, condemned the renewed attack on Otobi-Akpa, Emichi and Utonkon communities in Benue State by armed herdsmen.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Paul Mumeh.
News Band understand that no fewer than 15 persons were killed during the invasion by the armed criminals on Tuesday night in the affected communities.
Mark, however, raised concerns that the perennial attacks had left scores of people dead and property destroyed.
While saying ‘enough is enough,’ he charged the communities to organise themselves into vigilante groups to stop further invasion by the criminals.
Mark also charged security operatives to rise up to the challenge by going after the perpetrators and ensuring justice is served.
He said: “The situation in parts of Benue State today cannot be said to be ordinary or accidental.
“It seems to me that it is an organised and premeditated action. We can no longer stand to watch our people killed needlessly for no just cause.
“In as much as our people should accommodate others in our communities, we must, as a matter of necessity, differentiate between legitimate residents and invaders.”
While commiserating with the families of the victims, he urged the people to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives to restore peace and order in the troubled communities.
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