There have been continued attacks on farmers in various communities across Benue State.  It will be recalled that in May 2021, at Tse Ancha in Abagena community, an attack was carried out by suspected herders on farmers. A similar incident was recorded again in April 2022 at Abagena, where many lives were lost.

Tragically, this sad event occurred again on 19th January 2023 at Abagena community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, opposite the IDP camp along the Daudu/Lafia road.

The Catholic Diocese of Makurdi Foundation for Justice, Development and Peace (FJDP), led by the Makurdi Coordinator and his team, visited the scene of the incident to obtain first-hand information on the situation.

According to eyewitness accounts from some of the victims, the attack began at about 8:00 p.m. and lasted until about 12:00 a.m.

Reports indicate that nine persons, comprising six males, two females, and one male child were killed. Ten other persons (seven females and three males) reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals across the state.

It was further reported that after carrying out the killings, the attackers allegedly severed and took away the head of one of the victims.

FJDP therefore joins other concerned citizens in strongly condemning this barbaric act and calls for an immediate end to the killing of innocent persons in Benue State.