The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the death of 15 women
and children after a clash between some herdsmen and infuriated youths
in Okpokwu LGA of Benue state yesterday, March 5th.
A statement by the state police command says it received information
earlier in the day that some Irate Youths from Omutu had engaged some
Herdsmen in a fight, killing some cows, while two (2) Herdsmen were
found missing.
A peace meeting was immediately initiated with the Chairman of the
LGA and the Head of the Fulani Community in the area, while a Police
Search Party went in search of the 2 missing Herdsmen. One of them was
found dead.
Unfortunately, as the search and peace meeting were ongoing, some
Herdsmen surreptitiously went on rampage, resulting in matcheting to
death of 15 persons mainly women and children, while some houses were
set ablaze.
Four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the gruesome murder. An extensive patrol of the community is ongoing.