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Three farmers have lost their lives in two separate attacks perpetrated by suspected herdsmen in rural communities of Benue State over the weekend.
The incidents took place in Entekpa and Idabi villages, leaving the local farming communities in shock and grief.
Alfred Omakwu, Chairman of the Otukpo Local Government, confirmed the tragic news to Channels Television.
The first attack occurred in Entekpa village, where one farmer was killed, and the second attack took place in Adoka’Icho in Idabi village, claiming the lives of two more farmers.
As a result of the ongoing attacks, Entekpa village, comprising nine villages, has been left deserted, allowing the assailants to move freely within the area.
The situation has worsened as farmers should be preparing for the upcoming planting season.
Omakwu has called for immediate intervention from federal and state authorities to address the dire security situation in the region.
He emphasized the urgent need for increased security measures to protect the communities from further violence.
Benue State has been a hotbed of conflict between farmers and herdsmen, with rural communities in Otukpo, Apa, Agatu, Gwer West, Makurdi, Guma, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, and Gwer East local government areas being particularly affected.
The state government has previously laid to rest eighteen victims of such violence in a mass burial, highlighting the severity of the ongoing crisis.
The recent assault in Entekpa and Idabi villages is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to protect the lives and livelihoods of the people in these communities.
As the farming season approaches, the local population remains vulnerable to further attacks, and the government must act swiftly to prevent more loss of life.
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