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 local government area.
"Systematic and Deliberate" Attacks
During the visit, His Royal Highness Chief John Antenyi, the Odejo K'Apa, described 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."
At a town hall meeting, community leader Apostle Chief James Ohepo recounted how 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 defenceless 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 revealed that 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 how she fled with her children in the middle of the night and has since been squatting with neighbours 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 the people are determined to survive despite being unarmed and vulnerable.
Forum Promises Action
Responding to the testimonies, Professor Ochefu described the situation in Apa as a humanitarian crisis and promised that the Forum would escalate the matter to both the state and federal governments.
"Your pain is valid. Your stories have been heard. We will not abandon you. We will return with relief materials and push for action from SEMA and NEMA," he assured the community.
The attacks have reportedly resulted in multiple casualties, with families left displaced and homes destroyed across several communities in the local government area.
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