Residents of Makurdi, Benue State capital have been gripped by fear following a violent attack by suspected Fulani militants that left a boat operator amputated and three others seriously injured at Afubo Island.
The incident occurred around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, near the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering, less than two kilometres from the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
Victims include a canoe engine driver, Jerry Saleh, whose limb was severed, alongside two brothers, Edoh and Adah Adikwu, who sustained machete wounds.
An unidentified Tiv farmer also suffered life-threatening injuries.
The victims are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre and Sandra Hospital Makurdi.
Eyewitnesses said the violence began after a dispute over transportation fares.
About ten passengers reportedly refused to pay after boarding a motorised canoe from Wadata Market to Afubo Island.
Sources said the situation escalated when some of the passengers allegedly contacted armed accomplices waiting at the island.
On arrival, the attackers reportedly descended on passengers and nearby residents, targeting mainly Tiv and Agatu indigenes.
A local resident said, āThey attacked without warning. It was brutal and coordinated.ā
Another source added, āAfubo Island has become a dangerous hideout. Something urgent must be done.ā
Residents have called on security agencies to dismantle suspected criminal camps in the area.
The Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached to confirm the incident as at time of this report.
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