Herdsmen kill NSCDC officer in Benue

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have killed an Inspector of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Benue State. This was disclosed by the security agency in a statement yesterday by Ekunola Gbenga, the Media Assistant to the Commandant General of the NSCDC.

The victim was identified as Joseph Ochogwu, an Idoma man from Benue South senatorial zone. Although he was murdered a fortnight ago, news of his killing was only disclosed on Sunday morning. The NSCDC said the attackers are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

According to Gbenga, the Commandant of the corps in the state, Isah Ado, confirmed the killing during the handing over of over 460 cows belonging to Fulani herdsmen that were impounded by the Livestock Guards for violating the anti-grazing law of the state.

Speaking on his officer’s murder, Ado said Ochogwu was killed in Guma Local Government Area in his line of duty, a fortnight ago. He said an investigative panel has been set up to investigate the murder of the gallant officer whose body, he said, had been deposited in the mortuary awaiting burial on April 30 this year.

He said the North Central Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Danladi Ciroma, was cooperating with the corps to apprehend the perpetrators for possible prosecution.

Ciroma, who also reportedly confirmed the killing of the NSCDC officer, said Ochogwu was murdered while trying to ensure peace in the state.