*Loggers Had Gone In Search Of Firewood For Sale To Feed Their Families
A fresh round of bloodfest rocked the nation yesterday as armed non-state actors and terrorists struck in crises-ridden Benue and Borno States in Nigeria’s North-Central and North-East zones respectively.
The merchants of evil and sorrow left in their wake blood, death, sorrow, anguish, and injuries to lucky survivors, some, perhaps,maimed for life.
On Thursday night, armed assailants attacked Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, snuffing lives out of a traditional ruler, his wife and Queen, the male heir apparent, and other residents.
Recall that Agatu was the scene of massacres in 2016 during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari when a series of coordinated attacks, which began in late February and continued for several days into March, led to the killing of scores of residents of the area and displacing thousands in the process.
At the time, there erupted sharp disagreement between the senator representing the area (Benue South), Sen. David Mark, and the Federal Government over the death toll, which some locals placed at thousands.
While the senator insisted that about 500 persons were murdered in the attacks, government denied the figure and sought to downplay it.
Again, in 2018, in the life of same federal administration, tragedy struck on 4 March in Omusu village, Ojigo ward in Edumoga, Okpokwu LGA (near Agatu) of Benue State, as suspected herdsmen unleashed terror on their victims leaving 26 people, including women and children, just a day after President Buhari had promised to visit the state.
In the latest incident, reports said one person was injured in the attack, which has thrown Agatu community into sorrow.
Reports said the victims were identified as Chief Momo Alexander Awodi, the traditional ruler of Olegabulu; his wife and queen, Abigail Awodi; and their son, Boniface Ochowechi.
Others reportedly killed include Mr Ochowechi Ochegwu and Mrs Deborah Ochowechi.
It could not be confirmed, as of press time, if the last two were also members of the royal family.
A source in the area said the attack may not be linked to herdsmen as initially feared, but could be a communal clash.
The source further revealed that some strange faces were seen moving through the village square shortly before the attack and were heard exchanging greetings in the Agatu dialect.
“Some people were seen passing through the village square and they greeted them in Agatu. That is why many are confused about what really happened,” the source added.
The source highlighted that the community had enjoyed peace for long with no violent attacks recently.
Olegabulu is reportedly located close to the hometown of the serving Chairman of Agatu LGA, Hon. Melvin Ejeh.
Hon. Ejeh himself commented on the incident, describing it as tragic and devastating even as he sued for calm.
He said: “This is a very sad and devastating incident. I urge our people to remain calm and not take the law into their hands. Security agencies have been mobilised, and investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for this heinous act.”
Boko Haram Landmines Kill Scores
In Borno State, no fewer than 20 persons, mainly fish farmers and wood loggers, were blown up to death and an unspecified number wounded in an attack on Hambagda, a few kilometres away from Gwoza town, a centre of terrorist raids in recent years.
It is feared that the death toll may be much higher.
The attack was said to have occurred when landmines suspected to have been planted by terrorists exploded in the outskirts of Gwoza LGA.
The Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) revealed that the incident occurred around 11am yesterday.
According to the CJTF, some of the victims were loggers who, apparently moving in groups of large numbers, given the spate of insecurity in the area, had gone in search of firewood for sale so as to feed their families.
According to a source: “It is another sad day for us in Gwoza town. We lost about 20 loggers and several others sustained gunshot wounds.
“The terrorists planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the route. After the explosions, they fired at the helpless civilians.”
Many of the victims who were lucky to escape the explosions and fled, were subsequently mowed down by Boko Haram bullets, it was learned.
About 18 bodies had so far been recovered around communities close to the town.
*PHOTO CAPTION: A group of terrorists.
