The entire Miza town in Kupaland of Lokoja Local Government of Kogi State is reported to have been burnt down by Fulani herdsmen.
It was gathered that a large number of Fulani herdsmen attacked the town Saturday morning.
The attack came hours after the police authorities held a meeting in Lokoja with representatives of Kupa and Fulani people urging them to embark on a ceasefire.
It caught most residents by surprise and forced them to flee the town but it could not be ascertained as at the time filling this report if any of the residents died.
“Many people had left. But our people left behind called early this morning to say about 1000 Fulani were coming towards Miza.
“And given their large number, our people left behind in the town were advised to avoid engaging the Fulani in fighting .The Fulani’s then proceeded to burn down the entire town”, a source said .
However, it was gathered that the attack was a reprisal. Earlier in the week,
The Fulanis were said to have attacked the town earlier in the week but the vigilantes in Miza repelled them killing at least five of them.
One person from Miza and another from Gbeduma were killed .Other reports said many more lives were actually lost in that attack.
The source continued, “Today’s attack on Miza, burning down entire town is unprecedented in the history of the peace loving people of Kupaland”.
Also, it was learnt that many people had fled from their towns and villages and most of are living as refugees in Niger state.
Some have gone to join their relatives in Lokoja and Minna, and other towns in neighbouring states.
Unconfirmed reports also said Fulani herdsmen burnt some houses in Agini, another town in Kupa also within the week.
“These attacks call for a comprehensive intervention from government. We are calling on the State and Federal governments to urgently come to the aide of Kupa people,” an elder who pleaded anonymity said.
