Six Fulani herdsmen were on Friday arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Makurdi for their alleged involvement in the killing of 19 farmers in Akor village of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on January 2, 2018. Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom confirmed that at least 20 people were killed after suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked communities in Guma and Logo local government areas of the state.
The accused persons, Ibrahim Sale, Jubrin Adamu, Magaji Yau, Usaini Bala, Ibrahim Abubakar and Sabiu Yau were charged with criminal conspiracy, mischief, violation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, causing grievous harm with dangerous weapon, and culpable homicide.
According to the First Information Report, FIR, filed before the court by the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP ) Imoh Edward, “one Menga Mgande of Akor village in Guma local government area came to the police in Gbajimba and reported that a group of Fulani herdsmen attacked their village, shooting sporadically and in the process killed 19 persons.”
Edward said “During Police investigation the suspects were arrested and further investigation into the matter revealed that the suspects had destroyed houses, crops and burnt down many buildings valued yet to be estimated.”
The prosecutor informed the court that investigations into the cases were still ongoing and asked for another date to enable the police conclude its investigation.
Counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Al-Mustapha Elegu who did not oppose the oral application said he would make a formal application for the bail of the accused persons.
In his ruling, the Magistrate, Justice Isaac Ajim adjourned further hearing to March 5, 2018.
Meanwhile, another Fulani herdsman who allegedly violated the Open Grazing Prohibition Law was arraigned before the same magistrate. The suspect, Ibrahim Adamu, was arrested by the police on December 28, 2017, while he was grazing openly with about 70 cows along Naka road in Makurdi.
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