NO fewer than five people are feared killed in a fresh attack by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on farmers in Ichama community of Okpokwu council of Benue State.

The Guardian learnt that herdsmen invaded the area in   a truck, killed five people and carted away over 40 cows belonging to the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo.

The sudden attack resulted to the fleeing of people in the area for safety as at the time of filing this report.

But the chairman of Okpokwu council, Mrs Julihana Obeta who confirmed the invasion of the herdsmen, however, said only one person was killed, explaining that his corpse had been deposited at St Mary’s Catholic Hospital, Okpoga.

Obetta said prior to the incident, there was an unconfirmed report last week of a truck that brought some Fulani herdsmen to Ichama and she quickly alerted the police of their arrival.

“Unfortunately, the herdsmen later attacked on Monday night killing one person and carted away 40 cows belonging to Catholic Diocese at Ichama. As I’m talking to you now, many people mostly children and women are fleeing the area while we are trying to camp them,” Obeta stated.

She further disclosed that police authorities have dispatched their men to the troubled area to beef up security and called on the people of the area to remain calm as the council was already on top of the situation.

However, the State Secretary of Myettiala Cattle Rearers Association, Mallam Garus Gololo said that the Fulani have no problem with Ichama people, stressing that the invasion was carried out by unknown people.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Daniel Ezeala who confirmed the crisis said 40 cows were stolen, adding that no one has been arrested in connection with the development.