Herdmen Invade Delta Community, burn People to Death.

At least, 12 persons have been allegedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen on Wednesday and Saturday, in Avwor, Uwheru community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Although the reason for the attacks is unknown, many residents of this community were reported to have sustained various degree of life threatening injuries.

Newswatch gathered however that the community’s executives were having their routine meeting when the suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked them.

Four persons were reportedly killed at the venue of this meeting on Wednesday, while two of the four killed persons were burnt to ashes, the community chairman, Mr. Sunday Iniovogoma told reporters on Sunday.

Iniovogoma added that the same herdsmen killed on Saturday seven persons in the community’s farmlands, which pegs the numbers of murdered victims to 11.

According to him, several other residents sustained severe injuries and are receiving treatments in hospitals.

Iniovogoma told newsmen that : “Because of the incessant killings, the community youths had to block the Bomadi Road. We were surprised that JTF men attached to Bomadi came and shot two of the community youths, which led to the death of one of them.

“I can categorically tell you that the JTF men in Bomadi are supporting the herdsmen and if this continues, they will kill all of us because we cannot fold our hands and see our people being killed like fowls and nothing is being done about it. l doubt if the Commanding Officer of the 222 Battalion, Agbarha-Otor is aware of the actions of the JTF men in Bomadi.”

When contacted, Ughelli North Local Government Chairman Chief Godwin Adode, hailed Governor Okowa for his swift action, which led to the deployment of military personnel to the community.

Adode also thanked the state Police Commissioner and the men of the 222 Battalion.

The council boss said: “I got the call on the killings on Saturday and my amiable governor had come to our rescue. The military from 222 Battalion and the police were also of great assistant because throughout the night, they were in the bush to ensure no further attack.

“I appeal to the Federal Government to come and assist us to end this menace and station military camp in the community because this cannot continue. I appeal to the community heads to cooperate with the police and the military to enthrone peace.”

Meanwhile Iniovogoma, speaking about what may have informed the attack, revealed that the herdsmen claimed that the farmlands belonged to them and that for the period they would occupy the farmlands, nobody should trespass.