Fulani Herdsmen Raid Adamawa. Kill 30, Kidnap 70

 

Fulani herdsmen, in the early hours of Sunday, killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Vunokilang Police Station and 28 others in Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The armed herdsmen also raided Demsare, Wunamokoh, Dikajam and Taboungo villages in what the military and po­lice authorities said was a vengeance mission over a prolonged farmers and cattle rearers feud in the affected com­munities.

The DPO, identified as CSP Okozie Okereofor, who was barely two months old in the Command, was allegedly ambushed when he led his men to the disputed area. He lost his life in the shootout with the attackers.

The corpses of the slain DPO and other civilian victims have been de­posited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yola.

Confirming the killings, the spokesman of the Adamawa State Po­lice Command, DSP Othman Abuba­kar, said the DPO and his team were attacked while on duty in the affected villages by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Abubakar said that report at his disposal indicated that the attackers looted, maimed the people and stole their foodstuff and livestock before setting the villages ablaze

“The suspected Fulani herdsmen raided four villages in Girei local Gov­ernment area on Sunday morning around 5:30am, killing scores includ­ing the late DPO,” Abubakar stated.

When journalists visited FMC, some of the victims were seen receiv­ing treatment.

The health officials on duty said that the management of the hospital had directed that journalists should be allowed into the facility.

In his reaction, the Acting Brigade Commander of the 23 Armoured Bri­gade Yola, Col. ABA Popoola, con­firmed the attacks. He said that the Fulani herdsmen had a prolonged feud with the residents of the affect­ed areas.

Col. ABA Popoola said the situation had been brought under control as he had deployed his men to areas to maintain law and order.