A resident of Ochumekwu Ochekwu in Apa Local Council, Benue State, Mr Sunday Patrick Enogela, has called for urgent intervention over continued killings and destruction in his community, allegedly perpetrated by armed herdsmen.

In a letter addressed to the National Coalition Against Mass Killings, Extrajudicial Killings, Mob Action and Impunity, Enogela decried the unrelenting assaults on his village since 2023. He recounted the tragic death of his father, who was killed last year after being ambushed by the herdsmen upon leaving church.

“They shot my father and then used a cutlass to mutilate him,” he lamented. Enogela added that the violence has driven residents from the area, leaving the village desolate. “We can’t farm, we can’t go home, and we can’t move freely. Even if we plant crops near our homes, the herdsmen bring their cows to destroy them. If they find you on the road or farm, they will kill you.”

He acknowledged the presence of soldiers in the area but expressed concern that their presence had not ended the attacks. “There are soldiers, but we are still living in fear. The attacks continue,” he said.

Enogela appealed to the government, kind-hearted individuals, and organisations for help. “Please let the government hear our cry. We want peace and to return home without fear.”

In response, the coalition expressed deep concern over the unceasing violence in the region. In a statement signed by Babatunde Agunbiade, the group sympathised with Enogela and his community, describing the attacks as “a systemic failure and a breach of constitutional duty.”

“This coalition was established to amplify the voices of victims and advocate for justice,” the statement read. “We welcome Mr Enogela and his community into our fold. They are not alone.”

The coalition urged other affected communities to come forward and join the movement while calling on the government to take decisive action to end the violence and restore peace.