There is palpable tension in Ataroga, a border community between Ebonyi and Benue States, following an attack by suspected unknown gunmen on Fulani herders, resulting in the killing of over 30 cows.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when residents were reportedly awakened by the sound of gunshots.
Ataroga, is an Izzi-speaking community located in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
Speaking to journalists, the village head, Chief Nwedoga James, said the community was thrown into panic after gunmen invaded the area and killed several cows belonging to herders who had lived peacefully in the community for decades.
According to him, following the attack, the herders accused villagers of masterminding the incident and allegedly embarked on reprisal actions, leading to the arrest of seven community members by the police, who were taken to Igumale, where they are currently detained.
Chief Nwedoga further alleged that the herders have since been destroying houses and looting properties in the community, and appealed to the governors of Ebonyi and Benue states, Francis Nwifuru and Hyacinth Alia, respectively, to urgently intervene.
“We were woken up early that Thursday morning by the sound of gunshots. Families ran into nearby bushes out of fear. By morning, we discovered that unknown gunmen had attacked the herders and killed about 30 cows,” he said.
“Out of fear, many villagers fled the community. Later, the police came and arrested seven people who were taken to Igumale.”
He disclosed that despite an intervention by the Chairman of Ado Local Government Area, who appealed to the herders not to carry out reprisal attacks while investigations continued, the situation has worsened.
“We have lived peacefully with these herders for years. We are innocent, yet our houses are being destroyed and residents harassed. We are pleading with our governors to come to our rescue,” he added.
Other stakeholders, including Mr. Odebe Odegu and a church leader, Mr. Anthony Nwibo, described the situation as disturbing and called on leaders of the two states, as well as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, to intervene urgently.
“We are in serious trouble. The Izzi people here are treated like strangers. We are neither fully Benue nor Ebonyi. We are being accused of a crime we did not commit,” they lamented.
“Our people are being killed, our houses destroyed, and our properties looted. Herdsmen are looting houses and attacking residents. We need urgent help,” the village head cried out.
Meanwhile, victims of the alleged looting, Mr. Lawrence Ogodo, a chemist store owner, and Mr. Joseph Agashi, a provision store operator and pharmacist, said their shops were looted at Aswa Chibueze and Igwebuike markets, along with over ten other shops.
As of the time of filing this report, seven community members remain in detention, while tension remains high in the area amid fears of further violence.