Benue Attack: Grieving Widow Cries Out for Justice

A grieving widow in Edikwu Ankpali, Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, has cried out for justice after her husband was killed during a recent wave of attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders. Mrs Igbe Musa said in tears, "They killed my husband like a cow," while narrating her ordeal to members of the Ochetoha K'Idoma Forum.

The delegation, led by Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu and Dr. Paul Edeh, met with victims and community leaders following the coordinated attacks on several villages in the LGA. The traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Chief John Antenyi, Odejo K'Apa, described the killings as "systematic and deliberate," alleging that the intention was to displace and destroy his people.

Several widows gave emotional testimonies, recounting the atrocities committed during the attacks. Mrs Ojonungwa Onjefu alleged that the attackers laughed while committing the atrocities. Mrs Omateyi Echewija said she fled with her children in the middle of the night and has since been squatting with neighbors after her home was razed.

Responding to the testimonies, Professor Ochefu described the situation in Apa as a humanitarian crisis and promised that the Forum would escalate the matter to both the state and federal governments. "Your pain is valid. Your stories have been heard. We will not abandon you," he said.