Another Bloody Farmers, Fulani Herdsmen Clash Claims 10 Lives in Benue

George Okoh

A bloody conflict between suspected Fulani herdsmen and Agatu farmers at Ega Adapti Island in Agstu Local Government Area of Benue State yesterday claimed 10 lives

The crises which occurred at the riverine community on Sunday morning, according to an eyewitness, there was sporadic gunshots that lasted for hours when herdsmen attacked the area from neigbouring Nasarawa State.

According to the source, the herdsmen besieged the island at about 10a.m. on Sunday, and the fight in the community lasted till the early hours of yesterday.

“The attackers also razed houses and farmland on the island while women and children scampered for safety,” the source said.

When contacted, the lawmaker representing Agatu state constituency, Alhaji Sule Audu, confirmed the attack and the sacking of the community.

Audu said: “I can confirm to you that Ega Adapati was attacked by suspected herdsmen yesterday and seven persons were killed and the community has been desolated.”

Speaking on the issue, the state Governor Samuel Ortom, who also confirmed the renewed conflict which came on the heels of his visit to Governor Tanko Al’ Makura of Nasarawa State to stem the the intermittent trans-border conflict, called for cessation of hostilities among the feuding parties.

Ortom added that he had arranged with his Nasarawa State counterpart to visit the crisis zone and appealed for calm.

“We are working very hard to ensure that this crisis is arrested and addressed permanently, though I cannot confirm the figure of casualties at this moment because I cannot rely on any hearsay information, but everyone must observe utmost restraint in this matter.

“We must all live together as a people both herdsmen and farmers, it should be a live and let’s live situation and everyone would respect one another’s rights and privileges, and in such a situation, there would be no need for these unnecessary conflicts,” the governor said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Moses Yamu, said he was yet to get full details of the matter.

The Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr. Tonye Cole, has said the company will work closely with governments and stakeholders, including the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), sustainable development goals fund (SDG-F) and other partners to enhance the quest for inclusive economic growth, poverty eradication, food security and access to potable water.

Speaking on the company’s 20th anniversary, Cole said in a statement yesterday that the celebration would be dedicated to giving back to indigent communities and supporting sustainable development projects at its various locations across the globe.

He added that the group had since its inception in 1996 been passionate about giving and serving, stating that it considered the opportunity to increase its involvement in empowering lives and communities a “unique privilege.”

Cole said Sahara would work