Again, Armed Herders kill 13, Injure One In 2 Separate Attacks in Benue Communities

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

No fewer than thirteen persons have been reportedly killed by suspected armed herders and one other severely injured in a separate attacks on Agatu and Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue state.

The Nations News Nigeriareports that over five persons were still missing at the time of filing this report.

It was gathered that the attackers invaded Egwuma village in Agatu LGA on Sunday, July 14, 2024 and hacked their victims without provocation.

Also, the herders attacked villagers who were returning from their farm in Gwer West LGA, on Sunday evening, killing one person, injured another while five persons were still missing.

Lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Godwin Edoh, confirmed the incident.

Speaking to newsmen on phone in Makurdi on Monday, Edoh said “Yes, there was attack in Egwuma. 12 people were killed. We are tired of this problem and that is why I’m complaining.”

He urged the Government to be decisive about what to do concerning the killings in the area saying “It’s so porous. The Ogbumogbo, Ejima and all those areas down to Ikpele, those villages has been deserted for close to one year. so it’s like a Fulani colony.

“What they do is that they come over with their cattle from morning and they stay there to graze until they want to go back. They come back there when they want because the people have left the villages and government have done nothing about it”

He lamented that peace has eluded his people most of who are IDPs and are still staying in camps.

He urged the government to match words with action peace returns to the place.

In a related development, our correspondent also gathered that herdsmen attacked villagers who were returning from their farms in Gwer West LGA of the state.

A youth leader who escaped from the incident, Cheghza Igbasue, explained that the attack took place at Tse Iyo in Sengev Council Ward of Gwer West LGA.

He narrated that “On July 14, 2024, armed herders attack and killed Mr. Ikyumbu Aondowase, 30 years and Mr. Achin Terzungwe who is 45years was wounded badly and taken to Naka for treatment both of Tse Utser in Sengev council ward.

He said while they were coming back to Agagbe through Tse Iorbogo, the armed herders had already ambush the bad portion of the road and were waiting for who to kill.

According to him, the herders started shooting at them as soon as they got close and while he survived “Mr. Ikyumbu Aondoawase was killed and Mr. Achin Terzungwe was badly wounded and five other people were still missing.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue state Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the attack on Agatu saying five persons were killed.

She however said she is not aware of the incident in Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue state.