A survivor of herdsmen attack at the boundary area of Ebonyi-Benue states, Mrs Blessing Ikechuwku, Weekend narrated how invaders killed her 7-month- old baby in her presence.
Mrs. Ikechukwu made her plight known when the Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Ebonyi state chapter, paid a visit to victims of the herders’ attack at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki.
NAWOJ state chairperson, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, with the chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Anthony Nwizi along other members of the association, visited the victims and donated cartoons of provisions, detergent and clothing.
Blessing with a 2- year- old son were among the victims of herdsmen attack on Sunday, May 30, 2021. The herders attacked Odoke Ishieke, Obakotara Ishieke, and Ndiobasi Ishieke communities, all in Ado local government area of Benue state at about 3am and killed over 60 persons, including pregnant women, children, and nursing mothers.
Blessing, who hails from Isiala Ngwa North local government area of Abia state, got married to one Mr Ikechukwu from Ndiobashi community, Ebonyi local government area. The community spilled over to Benue state.
She said: “At about 3:30 am that faithful Sunday, we were asleep and suddenly, we heard noises in the compound. They were shouting: “Who are those leaving here” in their language. We thought they were policemen. Before we knew it, they kicked the door open.
“They asked the whereabouts of my husband. I told them my husband traveled. They said I should bring out the money he sent to us, but I told them that there was no money. Before I knew what was happening, one of them used his machete and butchered my 7-month- old baby.
“My first baby who was lying on the floor, they also used machetes to design his head and body before they now faced me. It was a terrible experience and I’m afraid to go back to that place.
“Government should please relocate us from that place. We are not being taken care of; we are just on our own. Please we need help.”
Another victim who simply gave her name as Grace said, “They shot me when I was trying to run and killed about four other persons in my compound.”
