At least nine people, including a police officer, have been reportedly killed following a renewed series of attacks by suspected armed herders on several communities in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The affected communities include Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele, with the attacks said to have started last Friday and continued until Tuesday.
A local resident, who requested anonymity, explained that the attackers entered from neighboring Kogi State.
“The violence began last Friday in Okwutanobe, where two individuals lost their lives. On Saturday, Okpokpolo was attacked, resulting in one death. On Monday, Olegagbani was invaded and one person was killed. The latest attack was on Tuesday in Ikpele, where a police officer and four others were killed,” the source disclosed.
The attacks have caused widespread fear, prompting many residents to flee their homes, uncertain of where the next attack might occur.
James Melvin, Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the casualties and the ongoing nature of the attacks.
“I can confirm that nine people have died over three days of attacks across these communities. Four people were killed in Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, and Olegagbani combined, while five, including a police officer, were killed today in Ikpele,” Melvin stated.
The Chairman condemned the attacks and suggested they may be retaliatory acts following allegations by the herders that their cattle had been rustled in the area.
“We strongly condemn these violent acts. We believe this could be in response to claims of cattle rustling reported by the herders. We urge them to allow the government to investigate the matter rather than taking the law into their own hands,” he appealed.
