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.
“They killed my husband like a cow,” Mrs Igbe Musa said in tears while narrating her ordeal to members of the Ochetoha K’Idoma Forum who visited the area on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday, June 11, 2025.
The delegation, led by the President General of the Forum, Professor Yakubu Aboki Ochefu, and Secretary General, Dr. Paul Edeh., met with victims and community leaders following the coordinated attacks on several villages in the LGA.
Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Chief John Antenyi, Odejo K’Apa, the monarch described the killings as “systematic and deliberate,” alleging that the intention was to displace and destroy his people.
“This is not random violence. It is calculated. It is meant to wipe us out,” Chief Antenyi said.
“Our people are burying their dead by themselves. We cry without hope, and justice is nowhere to be found,” he said.
During a town hall meeting, a community leader, Apostle Chief James Ohepo also recounted how multiple villages, including Edikwu, Ugbobi, Ojantelle, Odugbo, Akpanta, Ikobi, and Ajegbe, were attacked almost simultaneously.
“What happened was well-coordinated,” he said, adding: “Armed men invaded our villages, destroying homes, farmlands, and killing defenceless residents. There was no sign of security presence to repel them.”
Several widows also gave emotional testimonies.
Mrs Igbe Musa said her husband was shot and later butchered in front of their children.
Another widow, 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 neighbours after her home was razed.
The youth leader of the area, Mr Amodu O. Amodu, described the community as “frightened but not defeated,” adding that the people are determined to survive despite being unarmed and vulnerable.
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.
“We will return with relief materials and push for action from SEMA and NEMA,” he said.
