Unknown gunmen Monday night killed five persons and made away with 43 cows belonging to a Catholic diocese in Ichama-Okpokwu local government area of Benue State.
State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ezeala, confirmed only one person died in the attack and 43 cows carted away by the gunmen.
However, the police authorities position was contradicted by local sources who said one dead body was discovered yesterday morning at the church premises; scene of the attack while the other four bodies were allegedly whisked away to unknown destination.
Chairman of the local council Juliana Obeta said the sudden attack proved last week’s unconfirmed reports of threats by some faceless herders to cause mischief in the rural Ichama community as true.
“Unfortunately, the herders on Monday night killed one person and carted away 40 cows belonging to Otukpo catholic diocese which was kept at Ichama’s church yard”, he said.
In his reaction, Secretary of the Myetti Allah Cattle Rearers Association, Garus Gololo, denied the allegation that the gunmen were suspected Fulani herdsmen, adding that the Fulani people have for a long time lived in peace with the Ichamas’ and cannot be involved in disputes with them, let alone killing them.
Meanwhile, the police has launched investigations into the attacks but no arrest has been made.
Benue gov shld show d fulani d way out.cuz der ‘r causing problem 4 d peace lovin benue pple