Three killed in renewed Fulani/farmer crisis in Benue

No fewer than three persons have died in the crisis between local farmers at Akpagodogbo, Otukpa local government area of Benue State and Fulani herdsmen.

Tribune Online reliably gathered that the crisis started on Wednesday till the early hours of yesterday morning and several persons were said to have been injured.

According to the piece gathered from the locals in the community, cattle was said to have eaten up the crops of farmers in the area which led to the farmers to attack the herdsmen and their cows.

Youths from the area were said to have joined the farmers and chased the herdsmen some of whom were said to have run into the police station in the community but were chased away.

According to a local who spoke to Tribune Online, ‘problem started around 4.00 pm when cows strayed into the farm land at the time farmers were still working in their farms, this infuriated the farmers and chased away the cattle and the herdsmen.’

It was gathered that the herdsmen reinforced and attacked the local farmers in the night leading to death of three persons, two from the locals and one herdsman.”

Speaking on the crisis, the traditional ruler of Otukpa, HRH Solomon Ekele who confirmed the crisis on phone to our correspondent however condemned the act.

Former minister of state for Education who hails from the local government, Professor Jerry Agada condemned the attack and expressed shock on the ugly development.

“Our people have lived with herdsmen for a long time even we have inter married and any time you interact with the Fulanis in our community they tell us that they are indigenes of the place.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Moses Yamu confirmed the incident but said that there was no causality.