Two killed, over 40 cows stolen as suspected herdsmen attack Benue community

Suspected Fulani cattle rustlers have reportedly attacked Okpafie community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing two persons and rustling more than 40 cows.

The attack was said to have occurred on Tuesday night at Oyilawu village in Okonobo Ward.

Residents said one of the victims, identified as Benjamin, a native of Okpafie, was killed during the assault, while the attackers allegedly made away with over 40 cows.

A local source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that many of the community’s youths were watching a football match when the gunmen struck, delaying any immediate response.

According to the source, the attackers had already fled with the cattle before the youths mobilised.

The source further alleged that a member of the local vigilante was also killed at Aidogodo while attempting to stop the assailants from escaping with the rustled livestock.

DAILY POST recalls that this incident comes after suspected armed herders attacked Sai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, where several people were feared killed, many others injured and houses set ablaze, forcing residents to flee.

Authorities have yet to release an official casualty figure for that attack.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not issued an official statement on the latest attack in Okpokwu.