Gunmen at the weekend killed 83 cows at Adayi in Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The traditional ruler of the community, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Sabo, claimed that about 20 people had been killed by gunmen in the last few weeks.

The killings were suspected to be reprisals by gunmen who crossed over from Benue State.

Although security agencies have stepped up investigation, the Fulani leader of Adayi area of Loko, Mallam Bideri Ahmadu, alleged that suspected Agatu gunmen from Benue State might be behind the killings.

Ahmadu, who addressed reporters in Loko, alleged that Agatu youths crossed over from Benue State about 10:30 a.m. last Saturday.

He said the suspects had wanted to “rustle the cows in their boats across River Benue but the cattle went berserk because of sporadic shootings.

“Upon realising they could not achieve their aim, the Agatu youth opened fire on the cows, killing 83. The injured ones are in the bush.”

Also, Sabo said in the last few weeks, over 20 men, women and children were killed during attacks on Fulani people by Agatu youths.

He said the Loko Development Area has only two police officers with no rifles and appealed for more security presence.

Sabo urged the Fulani not to retaliate because the government was looking into the crisis.

The Director of Personnel Management, DPM, of the development area, Danlami Umar said the “fishing community has suffered a setback because the riverine area has been taken over by Agatu youths who kill at will.”

Police spokesman, Ismaila Numan said the Nasarawa division received a report of the killing of 83 cows by suspected hoodlums and investigation had started.

A security source said: “There has been tension in the area since the killing of more than 300 people in Agatu area of Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

“We are suspecting reprisals by Agatu youths who do not want Fulani herdsmen in their area again.

“The crisis between the Fulani and the Agatu is posing a threat to life and property in the two states.

“Nasarawa and Benue governments have to step into the incessant clashes between the Fulani and the Agatu.” (Nigerian Pilot)