A grieving widow from Edikwu Ankpali in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State has made a heartbreaking plea for justice following the brutal murder of her husband during recent attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders.
"They killed my husband like a cow," Mrs. Igbe Musa tearfully recounted while sharing her ordeal with members of the Ochetoha K'Idoma Forum who visited the area on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday, June 11, 2025.
The delegation, led by Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, President General of the Forum, and Dr. Paul Edeh, Secretary General, met with victims and community leaders following coordinated attacks on several villages in the area.
Traditional Ruler Describes 'Systematic' Violence
During the visit, His Royal Highness Chief John Antenyi, the Odejo K'Apa, characterized the killings as "systematic and deliberate," alleging that the attackers intended to displace and destroy his people.
"This is not random violence. It is calculated. It is meant to wipe us out," Chief Antenyi stated. "Our people are burying their dead by themselves. We cry without hope, and justice is nowhere to be found."
A community leader, Apostle Chief James Ohepo, revealed during a town hall meeting that multiple villages—including Edikwu, Ugbobi, Ojantelle, Odugbo, Akpanta, Ikobi, and Ajegbe—were attacked almost simultaneously.
"What happened was well-coordinated," he said. "Armed men invaded our villages, destroying homes, farmlands, and killing defenseless residents. There was no sign of security presence to repel them."
Widows Share Harrowing Testimonies
Several widows gave emotional testimonies during the forum's visit. Mrs. Igbe Musa recounted how her husband was shot and later butchered in front of their children.
Another widow, Mrs. Ojonungwa Onjefu, alleged that the attackers laughed while committing the atrocities, while Mrs. Omateyi Echewija described fleeing with her children in the middle of the night and subsequently squatting with neighbors after her home was razed.
Mr. Amodu O. Amodu, the youth leader of the area, described the community as "frightened but not defeated," adding that residents remain determined to survive despite being unarmed and vulnerable.
Forum Promises Support and Advocacy
Responding to the testimonies, Professor Ochefu characterized the situation in Apa as a humanitarian crisis and promised that the Forum would escalate the matter to both state and federal governments.
"Your pain is valid. Your stories have been heard. We will not abandon you," he assured the community. "We will return with relief materials and push for action from SEMA and NEMA."
The attacks in Apa Local Government Area represent the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Benue State in recent years, with tensions between farming communities and herders resulting in significant loss of life and property.
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