Herders kill monarch, others

The traditional ruler of Ugbobi community and several others have been reportedly killed in a renewed attack on communities in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected herdsmen.

A source in the area said the marauders invaded the community on Monday evening after several days of sustained attacks and sacking of several communities in the council.

According to the source, “they came in their numbers shooting sporadically in Ugbobi. They killed the chief of the area and many others. As we speak, I cannot specifically tell you the number of those killed because searching is going on and bodies are still being recovered as at this morning (yesterday) from all corners of the community.

“These attacks by armed herdsmen have been going on in Apa in the last few weeks, many villages have been sacked, people killed and farm produce in barns burnt.”

Confirming the development, state Chairman of Ikobi Community Development Association and National Chairman of Apa Development Association, Mr. Akpoko Eche, said: “The community leader was abducted and killed with other s. As I speak to you, I have just been informed that there are gunshots in the village, which means the attackers have remobilised and returned to the community."

Contacted, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Paul Hemba(retd), who confirmed the latest attack said he was still expecting  details from the security personnel drafted to the area.

Effort to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, was unsuccessful.

Culled from Vanguard