Reports emerging indicate that members of the Benue Livestock Guards narrowly escaped a potentially fatal situation when they were attacked by armed herdsmen in the Kwua community, located behind the Makurdi Modern Market, over the weekend.
According to sources, the violent encounter unfolded after the livestock guards seized several cattle that had encroached on local farmlands and caused damage to crops.
The altercation commenced at approximately 5 pm on Friday, as the herdsmen steered their cattle for grazing into the community. Acting on a tip-off, the guards intercepted the herdsmen and impounded the cattle.
An eyewitness described the ensuing events: “The herders quickly enlisted the help of their companions, who were armed with guns and knives, to challenge the Livestock Guards. This armed group confronted the personnel as they were transporting the impounded cattle to a government holding area awaiting the animals’ owners.”
“The armed assailants intercepted the guards near the entrance of the Makurdi Modern Market, firing guns and brandishing knives in an attempt to forcibly retrieve the impounded cattle. This chaotic situation resulted in numerous injuries to individuals, including the livestock guards,” the eyewitness added.
The eyewitness further noted that although the police were dispatched to the scene, they faced resistance from the armed herdsmen and their associates, who successfully liberated the impounded cattle.
Confirming the incident, Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Internal Security, disclosed that a raid was conducted the following day, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects.
Detailing the raid, Har stated: “On June 15, 2024, the Benue State Internal Security, in collaboration with the police, carried out a raid on the Wadata abattoir and Awe Street in Makurdi. This action was in response to the assault and obstruction faced by the Livestock Guards the day prior at the Modern Market gate, where they were attacked by around 60 armed youths following the apprehension of cattle grazing on riverbank farms.”
Har emphasized that the Anti-Open Grazing and Ranch Establishment Law targets all cattle rearers in the state, not specifically the Fulani community, and must be adhered to by all. He expressed apprehension over the armed resistance exhibited by youths towards state authorities.