Gunmen kill farmer as residents flee villages in Benue

Gunmen have attacked farmers harvesting oranges at Tse Uyoo village in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, cutting off the hand of one farmer and heightening fears over worsening rural insecurity.

The attack occurred around noon on Sunday at Tse Uyoo village, a few kilometres after Tse Kpeesi along the Adogo Road in Ugbaam Council Ward.

A resident, Orbuter Abua Agule, reportedly had his hand severed when the attackers invaded an orchard while grazing cattle in the area.

Residents said similar attacks have increased in recent weeks, with farmers chased away from their farmlands across Ukum, Logo, Guma, Otukpo, Agatu and Kwande LGAs.

In a related incident, another farmer was killed by gunmen in Otukpo LGA over the weekend, while his motorcycle was set ablaze.

Gunmen were also said to have attacked farmers in Adoka district of Otukpo LGA last week, destroying harvested crops and forcing farmers to flee.

Further attacks were reported on Friday in Adogo village in Ugbaam Council Ward, affecting farmers in Ukum and Logo LGAs.

Residents described the assaults as unprovoked, alleging that the attackers destroyed crops such as cassava to feed their cattle. Many farmers, they said, are now abandoning their communities for fear of further violence.

A resident of Ogobia community in Otukpo LGA, Alfred Edoga, said farmers could no longer access their farmlands. “The government must come to the aid of farmers to avert food scarcity,” he said.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment.

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