In a tragic escalation of violence, Amedu Agaba, an All Progressives Congress (APC) councillorship aspirant, along with four other individuals, was killed on Wednesday night in Okpomaju village, Okete Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. This incident marks a significant intensification of ongoing tensions between armed herdsmen and local residents in the region.
Background of the Conflict
The latest violence follows an earlier attack in the same community at the beginning of the week. On Monday, during a hunting expedition, local hunters encountered armed herdsmen who, upon sighting them, opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two hunters and injuries to several others. In retaliation, the hunters managed to kill one of the herders. This initial clash heightened tensions and fear among residents, leading many to flee the area.
The Recent Attack
Despite efforts to broker peace, the crisis escalated on Wednesday night when armed herdsmen reportedly stormed Okpomaju village, firing indiscriminately. According to local sources, the attack was unprovoked, with the assailants numbering about twelve and wielding sophisticated firearms. In addition to the killing of Mr. Agaba, four other residents lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries. At least ten individuals have been declared missing as panic spreads across the community.
Community Response and Displacement
The renewed hostilities have forced residents of Okpomaju and nearby communities—including Odudaje, Amla, Emichi, Otukpo-Icho, and Otada (home to the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo)—to flee their homes in search of safety. A local source recounted, “The attack was unprovoked as the hunters were at home at Okpomaju when the armed herders, numbering about 12, stormed the village with sophisticated guns, shooting indiscriminately.” The source added that the search for more bodies is ongoing, with some victims’ remains recovered near the Odudaje stream.
Official Reactions and Security Measures
The Chairman of the Otukpo Local Government Council, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the development and stated that both police and military personnel had been deployed to the community to prevent further escalation of the crisis. In a bid to assess the situation and promote peace, the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ode, who hails from Otukpo, led a delegation to the area on Thursday. He urged all parties involved to cease hostilities and embrace peace.
Calls for Government Intervention
In response to the persistent attacks, the Idoma community in the diaspora has condemned the continuous killings by suspected herdsmen across Idoma land. They have criticized the silence of relevant authorities and called for immediate and decisive action from the federal government and security agencies. The group emphasized the need for leaders to organize a security summit focusing on actionable solutions to protect affected communities.
Historical Context
Benue State has been a hotspot for conflicts between local farmers and nomadic herders, primarily over land and grazing rights. These clashes have led to significant loss of life, displacement of communities, and heightened ethnic tensions. Efforts to mediate and find lasting solutions have often been hampered by deep-rooted mistrust and the proliferation of arms among both groups.
Conclusion
The recent killings in Okpomaju village underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of the herder-farmer conflicts in Benue State. It is imperative for government authorities, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate in fostering dialogue, ensuring justice, and implementing sustainable peace initiatives to prevent further bloodshed.
