Gunmen, suspected to be herders militia, have killed six persons in two separate attacks on communities of Agatu Local Government Area, (LGA) of Benue State.
Our correspondent gathered that while one person was killed in the Iwari community, five others were killed in the Olegagbane community of the same LGA last Friday, August 23.
A native of the area who didn’t want to be named for fear of attack, told newsmen that armed herdsmen have been targeting rural dwellers in Agatu, killing them at their farms and homes.
He said the armed invaders attacked Iwari community in Agatu LGA, killing one person and injuring several others while on Friday, August 23, 2024, they also attacked the Olegagbane community, killing five persons.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Phillip Ebenyakwu confirmed the incidents and expressed concern over the ongoing violent killings in the area.
“It’s true, the situation has been confirmed.”
He sadd, “The attackers come, kill, steal, loot, and then flee. I don’t know their motives but these attacks are unbearable. I am in communication with security agencies, and they are working on it.”
Ebenyakwu also spoke about the challenges of managing the displaced people from the affected communities, noting that over 2,000 people have been displaced from at least seven, possibly nine, villages.
“The number of displaced people is overwhelming, though the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) did provide some relief materials, it was not sufficient,” he added.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, in a text message said she was not yet aware of the incident.
