Agatu chairman confirms killing of district head by armed herdsmen in Benue  

From Attah Ede,  Makurdi 

The executive chairman of Agatu local government council, Mr. Mavis James Ejeh, on Thursday, confirmed the killing of the  District Head of Odugbeho, Chief  Tony Adejo in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herders.

Ejeh who confirmed the development while speaking with newsmen on phone in Makurdi on Thursday, said chief Adejo was gruesomely killed in his farm at  Akpa-Otobi by the suspected herders who invaded the area 10am of Wednesday.

He described late chief Adejo as a peace builder, an astute community builder and a community leader who would be greatly missed by all.

He explained that the late chief was working on his farm in Otukpo, Otukpo local government area before some mannerless criminals went and killed him.

“I can confirm to you that the district head of Odugbeho chief Tony Adejo has been killed. He was killed by some armed men while working on his farm at Otobi in Otukpo local government area of the State.

“Despite hearing this ugly news, Odugbeho community is calm, our people is calm because we will not take law into our hands. We are just mourning the death of a community leader.

“Nobody is taking law into his hand, there is no need for reprisal attack because the incident did not happen on ground. Therefore, Agatu is calm and peaceful as usual”, Ejeh stated. 

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The Agatu council boss however enjoined all Agatu indigenes who are in and outside Agatu communities to be security cautious and be closer to security agents to avoid being fall victims of herder’s attacks.

He further urged them to relate closely with the chairman  of any local government areas and also work  with other local authorities and community leaders and be ready to report any suspicious criminals to the appropriate authorities.

“Agatu people residing and farming in other local government areas should be careful and watchful with their movement. They should liaise with local authorities and know the areas that are safe to work for now since the government is trying to curb the issue of insecurity in the whole of zone c”, he explained.

The Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, couldn’t be reached for comment as she could not respond to text or calls.