Gunmen Kill Over 30 Cows, Escalate Tensions at Ebonyi–Benue Border Community

Ataroga, a border community between Ebonyi and Benue states, is on edge after suspected gunmen attacked Fulani herders, killing more than 30 cows in the early hours of Wednesday.

Residents, in the Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, reported being awakened by gunfire. Ataroga is primarily an Izzi-speaking settlement.

Village head Chief Nwedoga James told journalists that the attack caused panic, with families fleeing into nearby bushes. He said the herders, who have lived peacefully in the community for decades, accused villagers of orchestrating the assault and reportedly carried out reprisal actions. In response, police arrested seven community members and transferred them to Igumale.

Chief Nwedoga alleged that herders have since destroyed houses and looted properties in the area. He appealed to the governors of Ebonyi and Benue, Francis Nwifuru and Hyacinth Alia, to intervene.

“We were woken early on Thursday by gunshots. Families ran into the bushes. By morning, we discovered about 30 cows had been killed,” he said. “Despite appeals for calm from local authorities, the situation has deteriorated, and villagers continue to suffer.”

Local stakeholders, including Mr. Odebe Odegu and church leader Mr. Anthony Nwibo, described the situation as alarming. They urged state leaders and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi to take immediate action.

“Our people are being harassed, our homes destroyed, and properties looted,” Chief Nwedoga said. “We are innocent but being treated as perpetrators. We need urgent help.”

Several business owners reported losses during the unrest. Mr. Lawrence Ogodo, a chemist, and Mr. Joseph Agashi, a provision store operator, said their shops, along with over ten others, were looted at Aswa Chibueze and Igwebuike markets.

As of this report, seven community members remain in police custody, and tensions continue to run high, with fears of further violence in the area.