Again, armed herdsmen invade Benue communities, Kill 6 in separate attacks

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly invaded Iwari and Olegagbane communities separately in Agatu LGA of Benue State, killing no fewer than six persons.

It was learnt that the armed herders had at the weekend, first attacked Iwari village and killed one person before proceeding to the Olegagbane community and  killed five people.

An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, narrated that armed attackers have already condoned all their  villages  in Agatu and circle them for killings, saying that the herders have been killing them at their farms and homes.

“On August  23rd, 2024, armed herders Invaded Iwari community in Agatu LGA, killing one person and injuring several others while on Friday, August 23, 2024 again, they also attacked the Olegagbane community, killing five people.

The Caretaker committee chairman of Agatu LGC, Phillip Ebenyakwu, also confirmed the incidents and expressed concern over the ongoing violence in the area.

“It’s true, the situation has been confirmed,” he stated. 

 “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.”

“Our  challenge now is how to manage the displaced people from the affected communities.

“As speak to you, have over 2,000 people who  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 Benue Command Police  Public Relations Officer SP Catherine Anene, said she was yet  to get information about about the killings.