Suspected herdsmen launch fresh attack on Benue community kill 16, many others unaccounted for.

From Gabriel Agbo, Abuja 
At least 16 persons have been confirmed dead, with many others still unaccounted for, as suspected herdsmen launched unprovoked fresh attack on Efeyi community in Ugboju district of Otukpo LGA of  Benue State.

Our correspondent learnt that the herdsmen invaded the community on Tuesday morning at about 9:30 am and started shooting sporadically thereby killing 15 villagers and  Injured several others.

An eye witness who spoke to journalists on phone on condition of anonymity, lamented that the current situation in Efeyi in Ugboju district is very pathetic. 

According to him, the attackers  invaded the community at about 5:am in the morning and continued shooting till  half passed 9am with no response from the security agencies.

He also alleged that even the Army and police that were stationed at Ugboju- Ogobia could not go to the community to assist in protecting the innocent citizens as a result of the sound of gunshots.

"What can we do to protect our people. All of us are currently helpless and vulnerable. Oh God help the souls of the innocent people being killed mercilessly in Efeyi Ugboju", he said.

The executive chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA), Prince Maxwell Ogiri equally confirmed that 14 dead bodies have been recovered so far, while many others who were wounded have been evacuated to hospital for immediate  medical attention.

Ogiri who spoke on phone with journalists in Makurdi, insisted that there was no provocation, adding that the attackers are just invading  communities and are there to  shed blood and kill  innocent people. 

"They have been attacking sporadically from different communities to the other in recent days.The level of casualty increases day by day. I think even the day before yesterday to yesterday, one happened in one of these villages too, then this one today. They choose location at their will", the chairman said.

Ogiri disclosed that the entire villagers are now afraid of staying in their communities, as there is great apprehension with people from neighboring communities fleeing their homes.

He confirmed that there are many security agencies including Mopol, Agro-rangers, military and Police, but craved for deployment of more security personnel in Otukpo axis. 

The chairman appealed to the Benue State government to take a deliberate step towards enforcement of the anti-open grazing law as everything is tied to it.

He noted that the eviction notice given to the armed herders by the Och'Otukpo cannot hold because there is nobody to enforce it and so, people will continue to lament.

The Benue State Police command also confirmed the latest attack, saying that personnel have been deployed to the area.

The command's police public relations officer PPRO DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incidence said" police are aware of an attack that occurred in a community during the early hours of today".

"Police Officers have been deployed to the scene, they are taking necessary steps to restore calm and commence a thorough investigation into the incident.

"The situation is being closely monitored, further details will be made available as the investigation progresses and facts are established.Thank you", Edet said in a text message.

Several communities in Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas have been under severe attacks by suspected armed herdsmen leading to many deaths, following the killing of the State chairman of Myietti Allah Cattle Breeders Association(MACBA) month ago.