A bloody clash between local hunters and armed herdsmen has left three people dead and several others injured in Okpomaju village, Okete Ward, part of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) in Benue State. The deadly encounter between the two groups occurred yesterday, leaving the surrounding communities in fear and panic, as many residents, including women and children, fled their homes for safety. The violence comes amidst growing tensions between farmers and herders in the region, raising concerns over the fragile peace in Benue State.
The incident began when a group of armed herdsmen, reportedly new to Okpomaju, encountered a group of local hunters on their regular hunting expedition. Mistaking the hunters for enemies, the herders opened fire, killing two hunters and one herder on the spot. The sounds of gunfire sent shockwaves through the community, prompting residents, particularly women and children, to flee their homes, seeking shelter in neighboring villages. The escalation of violence has left the affected community and its surroundings in a state of chaos, as news of the attack spread quickly.
An eyewitness, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the armed herders, unfamiliar with the village, mistook the group of hunters for opposing forces and shot at them without warning. The result was a fatal attack that left two local hunters dead and many others injured, some critically. The violence immediately triggered panic in the community, with many fearing for their lives as more herders were reportedly seen moving through the area.
Sunday Oga, a local farmer in the neighboring Ugboju District, tearfully recounted his own traumatic experience. He described how he was chased off his farm by an armed herder carrying a gun and machete, leaving his harvested crops, including valuable yams, exposed to the herders’ grazing cattle. Oga’s account highlights the growing intimidation that farmers in the region are facing at the hands of armed herders, which has prompted many to abandon their farms in fear of violence.
One of the survivors of the deadly clash, a local hunter, also shared his account of the confrontation. He explained that his group was out on their usual hunting trip when they were suddenly ambushed by a group of Fulani herdsmen, who opened fire without warning. In response, the hunters fired back, resulting in one herder being killed while others retreated. Unfortunately, two hunters were killed in the attack, and another hunter was severely injured, prompting a rush to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital Otukpo for emergency medical care.
Chief John Eimonye, the Och’Otukpo Odu, has confirmed the incident and announced plans for a meeting with the herders’ leaders to find a resolution. The Royal Fathers, however, have denied allegations that the herders were emboldened by payments made to local chiefs for access to grazing lands. Eimonye reassured the public that peace efforts would be made to address the situation and prevent further violence.
In addition to the local leadership’s efforts, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo LGA, confirmed the deadly clash and stated that the government was taking immediate steps to address the rising violence. Measures being implemented include increased security and a commitment from the herders’ leaders to identify and remove any individuals who may be instigating violence in the area. Ogiri also highlighted the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between the Otukpo people and the herders, many of whom have longstanding ties to the region.
The growing tensions between farmers and herders in Benue State are not a new phenomenon. For years, the region has been plagued by violent clashes, which have often escalated into full-scale conflicts. The clash in Okpomaju is just the latest chapter in the long-running farmer-herder crisis in Nigeria, which has resulted in the loss of lives and the displacement of many innocent civilians. While government efforts are underway to address the situation, it is clear that more action is needed to bring lasting peace to the region.
The deadly attack has drawn attention to the rising insecurity in Benue, with many local residents calling for stronger measures to prevent such violence from continuing. The situation has also drawn criticism from various human rights groups, who have condemned the violence and called for greater protection for farmers, hunters, and villagers who are caught in the crossfire.
CSP Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the police had not yet received an official report on the incident but expressed concern over the growing violence and insecurity in the region. As the situation in Benue continues to escalate, it is clear that the government and security forces must take urgent action to restore order and protect the lives of the residents of Otukpo and its neighboring communities.
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