A grieving widow in Edikwu Ankpali, Apa Local Government
Area of Benue State, has cried out for justice after her husband was killed
during a recent wave of attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders.
“They killed my husband like a cow,” Mrs Igbe Musa said in
tears while narrating her ordeal to members of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum who
visited the area on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday, June 11, 2025.
The delegation, led by the President General of the Forum,
Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary General, Dr. Paul Edeh., met with
victims and community leaders following the coordinated attacks on several
villages in the LGA.
Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal
Highness Chief John Antenyi, Odejo K’Apa, the monarch described the killings as
“systematic and deliberate,” alleging that the intention was to displace and
destroy his people.
“This is not random violence. It is calculated. It is meant
to wipe us out,” Chief Antenyi said.
“Our people are burying their dead by themselves. We cry
without hope, and justice is nowhere to be found,” he said.
During a town hall meeting, a community leader, Apostle
Chief James Ohepo also recounted how multiple villages, including Edikwu,
Ugbobi, Ojantelle, Odugbo, Akpanta, Ikobi, and Ajegbe, were attacked almost
simultaneously.
“What happened was well-coordinated,” he said, adding:
“Armed men invaded our villages, destroying homes, farmlands, and killing
defenceless residents. There was no sign of security presence to repel them.”
Several widows also gave emotional testimonies.
Mrs Igbe Musa said her husband was shot and later butchered
in front of their children.
Another widow, Mrs Ojonungwa Onjefu, alleged that the
attackers laughed while committing the atrocities.
Mrs Omateyi Echewija said she fled with her children in the
middle of the night and has since been squatting with neighbours after her home
was razed.
The youth leader of the area, Mr Amodu O. Amodu, described
the community as “frightened but not defeated,” adding that the people are
determined to survive despite being unarmed and vulnerable.
Responding to the testimonies, Professor Ochefu described
the situation in Apa as a humanitarian crisis and promised that the Forum would
escalate the matter to both the state and federal governments.
“Your pain is valid. Your stories have been heard. We will
not abandon you.
“We will return with relief materials and push for action
from SEMA and NEMA,” he said.
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