The police on Wednesday arraigned 10 farmers in a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi, Benue State for allegedly destroying homes and looting properties.
The police charged Asom Orngu, Tar Aondolunu, Aondogu Tyonenge, Naiam Akaahan, Agee Terkuma, Achwande Mwakyoga, Chiangiga Ortserga, Mnyimanga Terkimbi, Dooyum Torka and Aondoyima Kwarkya.
They were charged with criminal conspiracy, trespass, causing grievous hurt, mischief and inciting public disturbance punishable under sections 97, 349, 248, 329, 289 and 116 of the penal code laws of Benue, 2004.
The Prosecution Counsel, ASP Hyacinth Gbakor, told the court that the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ugba, Logo Local Government Area on July 6, 2020 to the state CID, Makurdi via a letter dated July 5, 2020.
Gbakor said on July 4, Oliver Jabe and James Mbatsev of Tse-Penda Village in Logo reported that some youths numbering 50, attacked their community.
He alleged that the attackers invaded Tse-Penda community on July 4 with guns and other dangerous weapons.
The Prosecution alleged that many people were wounded during the attack and are currently receiving treatment at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Ugba.
He also alleged that the attackers destroyed their victims’ farm crops, killed domestic animals, destroyed more than 50 houses and looted their properties.
He said property worth N5 million were destroyed during the attack.
The defendants pleaded not guilty of the charges against them.
The Prosecutor informed the court that investigation into the matter was ongoing and prayed for an adjournment.
Magistrate Isaac Ajim admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N100,000 each with one surety each in like sum.
Ajim adjourned the matter until September 16 for further mention.
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