Gunmen Kill 20 People, 83 Cows in Nasarawa

A community, Adayi in Nasarawa State was the scene of another bloodbath as gunmen went on a rampage killing 20 people and 83 cows.

The Nation newspaper is reporting that in nearby Loko, the monarch said that no fewer than 20 people have been shot and killed in the last few weeks.

Villagers said the killings were reprisals by gunmen suspected to be from Benue State. According to witnesses, they suspected that the gunmen may have attacked Adayi, a Fulani village, to revenge the killings at Agatu carried out by Fulani herdsmen.

The traditional ruler of Loko, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo, alleged that Agatu youths might have perpetrated the act.

The Fulani community leader, Mallam Bideri Ahmadu, who addressed reporters in Loko, said that the youth from Agatu crossed over from Benue at about 10:30 on Saturday to unleash mayhem on the people.

He told reporters that the youth came to  “rustle the cows in their boats across River Benue, but the cattle went berserk because of sporadic shootings.”

Ahmadu said:  “Upon realising they could not achieve their aim, the Agatu youth opened fire on the cows, killing 83. The injured ones are in the bush.”

The Mai Loko, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo, appealed for more security presence. He said only two police officers were posted to the area with no rifles.

A security source said: “There has been tension in the area since the killing of more than 300 people in Agatu area of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

“We are suspecting reprisals by Agatu youths who do not want Fulani herdsmen in their area again.

“The crisis between the Fulani and the Agatu is posing a threat to life and property in the two states.

“Nasarawa and Benue governments have to step into the incessant clashes between the Fulani and the Agatu.”