Four herders from same family k!lled as gunmen raid settlement in Anambra

Gunmen stormed a cattle camp in Agu-Ifite, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, k!lling four herders.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

The deceased, who were brothers from the same family, were identified as Mohammed Bujumi, Hassan Bujumi, Abubakar Bujumi, and Sani Bujumi.

A statement issued by the National Deputy Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, the association disclosed that several cattle were also k!lled during the attack.

According to the statement, the cattle camp belongs to one Alhaji Aminu Mohammed.

The association said unknown armed assailants invaded the cattle camp while the herders were peacefully carrying out their legitimate cattle-rearing activities.

The statement added that the attackers opened fire indiscriminately, neutralising four herders.

MACBAN further stated that several cattle were slaughtered during the attack, while the assailants reportedly fled with some of the cattle carcasses towards the nearby Mgbakwu Community.

According to the association, one of the herders, Usman Iliyasu, narrowly escaped the attack.

“MACBAN strongly condemns this heinous and senseless attack and calls on all relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the incident, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice,” Siddiki said.

He also appealed to the Anambra State Government to take urgent steps to strengthen security and protect the lives and property of law-abiding citizens in the state.

“We sincerely appreciate the prompt response of the Joint Task Force and the Anambra State Government for their swift intervention and efforts in recovering the bodies of the deceased. Their timely action is commendable and demonstrates their commitment to maintaining peace and security,” he added.

Siddiki further advised all MACBAN members to remain calm, stay within their camps, and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

One of the herders, who spoke with Daily Trust at the B Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Awka, said the victims were attacked at Ifite, near Miracle Junction, in Ifite Awka, Awka South Local Government Area.

He said the attackers fled after encountering superior military firepower.

He further stated that before the arrival of the security team, the gunmen had already begun butchering the cattle.

Confirming the attack, the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, condemned what he described as a gruesome attack on a residential settlement in the hinterland of Agu-Ifite, Awka.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

He disclosed that Police-led Joint Security Team operatives responded promptly to the scene following a distress call.

Ikenga further disclosed that the Joint Security Team found four cows lying lifeless within the vicinity, while two others had been slaughtered and portions of the meat removed by the attackers.

“The Anambra State Police Command has condemned the gruesome attack on a residential settlement in the hinterland of Agu-Ifite, Awka, which occurred in the early hours of today 21st July 2026 and has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible,” the statement red.

“Operatives of the Police-led Joint Security team responded to the scene following a distress report. On arrival, four male victims with fatal injuries were discovered.

“Preliminary observations revealed that the victims had their hands tied and sustained multiple injuries, including machete cuts and blunt force trauma.

“Two residential huts within the settlement were set ablaze during the attack.

“The Police further observed four d3ad cows within the vicinity, while two other cattles had been slaughtered, with portions of the meat removed by the assailants. 

“Some sacks containing abandoned chunks of meat were recovered a short distance from the scene.

“Further findings indicate that the attackers were armed with sophisticated weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, double-barrel guns, and machetes.

“One of the survivors of the attack, escaped unharmed and is assisting the Police- led joint security team with useful information in their investigation.

“The Anambra State Police Command has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the residential community settlement in the State through the Sarkin Fulani. 

“The Command is committed to conducting a thorough, professional, and intelligence-driven investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The Command urges members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that may aid the ongoing investigation.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”