For the second time within a short span, Fulani Bandits allegedly attacked Ajokpachi Odo Community in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of at least three lives.
Motorbikes, foodstuffs, and other valuables were reportedly carted away, while several individuals remain missing.
This recent assault comes as a grim reminder of the brutal attack that took place on April 9, 2024, when Agojeju Odo suffered a similar onslaught by suspected Fulani Bandits, resulting in the loss of over 25 lives and widespread destruction of properties.
The recurrence of such deadly attacks has left the communities in a state of fear and uncertainty.
The assailants, believed to be Fulani militia engaged in ongoing clashes with the Agatus, allegedly ambushed and killed youths who were on a surveillance mission in Ajokpachi Odo.
During the exchange of gunfire, casualties included Musa Sule from Ajokpachi Odo, another from Bagaji Odo, and one from Ajomachi, a village bordering Benue State. Numerous others are still unaccounted for.
According to Nifu Abuka, a Community Leader who narrowly escaped the attack by spending the night in the bush, the aftermath of the assault on Agojeju Odo has left his people living in constant fear.
He expressed concerns over the porous security situation in the area, attributing the vulnerability of their community to the longstanding feud between the Agatu people and Fulani herdsmen in neighboring Benue and Nasarawa states.
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Abuka called upon relevant government agencies to intervene urgently, stressing the urgent need for increased security presence to safeguard the lives and properties of the affected communities.
He called on the Federal Government and state Government to urgently deploy permanent Security outfits to the communities to save them from unsolicited deaths in the hands of the hoodlums who have taken over their farms and the deserted villages.
He said, presently, the survivors have fled their ancestral homes, and if not checked, would worsen food security in the area.
He called on Federal Government and kogi state government to take proactive measures to safeguard his people whose only occupation is farming.
According to him “This attack is one too many. Not too long ago, before the Agojeju Odo massacre, the Fulani Bandits had killed about six people in Ajadapa, a neighborhood in Benue state and took over their homes. We are perpetually living in fears and don’t know who will be the next victim.
“Both our farms, streams, and forests have been occupied by these elements who killed at will.
“We thought that with what happened at Agojeju Odo, the story would have changed by now, unfortunately, the Fulani bandits are daily having upper hands , knowing fully well that there will be no consequences of their actions.
“We don’t have arms to defend ourselves. We are begging our hardworking governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act urgently before we are all dead.
The Chairman Caretaker Committee (CTC) of Omala Local Government Council, Hon. Marknoble Edibo, has confirmed the incident and expressed deep concern over the plight of his people.
He lamented how the residents of Omala Local Government Area (LGA) have become entangled in the ongoing feud between the Fulani and Agatu communities in neighboring Benue and Nasarawa states, with which the LGA shares its boundaries.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, proved unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered.
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