‘Herdsmen after our women’ – Idoma community raises alarm

Residents of Ukwonyo community in the Ufia axis of Ado Local Government Area, Benue State, have expressed deep concerns over the alleged persistent harassment and sexual assault of women by suspected Fulani herdsmen, instilling fear and anxiety among locals as they go about their daily farming activities.

The alarm was raised following a recent incident involving 42-year-old Catherine Ajogi and four others, who narrowly escaped an attack while foraging for firewood and snails near the Okonoji River at Ogbuga farm settlement. 

This incident has prompted community leaders to urgently call on the Benue State and Federal Governments for immediate action against the kidnappings and harassment of Ufia women.

Ukwonyo is known for its agricultural activities, boasting one of the largest cassava and garri markets in the Benue South Senatorial District. 

However, these activities are now under threat due to the fear of constant harassment from herdsmen. Community members report a long-standing, mutually beneficial relationship with the herdsmen, who relied on them for basic needs. 

However, they allege that this relationship has soured, with incidents of rape and harassment causing significant distress among women.

Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Comrade Jude Onwe, the National Publicity Secretary of the Ufia Development Association (UDA), lamented the fear that has gripped the community.

He stated, “Going to farm or fetching water and firewood has become a problem. Our women can no longer visit their farms without male accompaniment because of the threat of rape.”

Onwe recounted the harrowing experience of Mrs. Ajogi, who was ambushed by herdsmen while gathering firewood and snails. During the struggle to escape, she was severely injured with a machete on her head. 

“In the attempt to escape, she stumbled and fell, leaving her vulnerable to the herders,” he explained. “She was brutally attacked and left with serious injuries.”

The chairman of the Ado Local Government Council, Sunday Oche, has been informed of the situation and took immediate action by directing that the victim receive treatment at the Community Health Center in Ukwonyo ward. 

Oche condemned the incident as barbaric and assured the community that he would report the matter to the appropriate authorities to ensure accountability. He also announced that the council would cover all medical expenses for Mrs. Ajogi.

Attempts to reach the Benue State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, for comment were unsuccessful due to network issues at the time of reporting.