Machete-wielding terrorists have invaded Akie, a community in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, injuring no fewer than six persons.
Residents who spoke with FIJ said the terrorists arrived before dawn on Monday to raid the community, which is just outside the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
The sources provided gory pictures and videos of the aftermath. In these clips, FIJ found multiple laceration marks on the victims. Following the attack, residents took to the streets in protest.
“A protest erupted this morning over the incident,” a student of the university told FIJ on condition of anonymity on Monday. “Students and lecturers were unable to gain entry for a while.”
FIJ learned that security agents from the police and army arrived during the protest. “The army came first,” another student told FIJ. “They made way for students and lecturers to get through, but the protest continued just outside.”
Students also told FIJ they could not sit for their examinations due to the disruption. When FIJ asked if the university was not joining the ongoing organised labour strike, the students said the examination was scheduled to go ahead as planned despite the strike but the protest halted it.
Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), had declared an indefinite strike to commence on Monday, June 3, over the federal government’s failure to give in to his minimum wage demands.
When FIJ called Catherine Anene, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, she said, “Yes, there was an attack at the Akie community close to the University of Agriculture. Six persons were injured and are currently receiving treatment while investigation is ongoing.”
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