20 herdsmen, 83 cows killed in Nasarawa State in suspected reprisal attacks

20 herdsmen and 83 cows were reportedly killed in Adayi and Loko areas of Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State by gunmen suspected to be from Benue and Nasarawa states, over the weekend

Confirming the attack, the state police spokesman, ASP Ismaila Numa, said he could not verify the identity of the attackers, adding that the police only received the report and have commenced investigation.

The Fulani leader of Adayi area, Mallam Bideri Ahmadu, said the killing of the cows was carried out by people suspected to be Agatu gunmen. The traditional ruler of Loko, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo, also blamed Agatu youths in the killing of 20 men in the attack. According to him, the gunmen crossed over from Benue at about 10:30 am on Saturday and started shooting sporadically, killing many people and cows.

“Upon realising they could not achieve their aim, the Agatu youths opened fire on the cows, killing many people and 83 cows instantly while others who sustained bullet wounds are lying in the bush,” he said.

The paramount ruler of the area, Mai Loko, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo told newsmen that  over 20 men, women and children were killed in frequent attacks on Fulani people by Agatu youths.