Two confirmed dead, others injured as suspected herdsmen launch fresh attack in Benue community

Suspected armed herdsmen have launched fresh attacks on the Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities in Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), killing at least two people.

The assailants apparently set fire to many houses, and several inhabitants are currently missing.

This recent assault came just a week after a similar attack on the Okokolo community in Agatu LGA, which killed three security personnel and two people.

According to a local source, the attackers, who are thought to have come from neighboring Nasarawa State, came on the settlements around 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

The attacks apparently continued throughout the night, leaving inhabitants in a terrifying situation.

“The attack happened yesterday (Tuesday) night. They attacked Ikpele, Okpokpolo, and other places all night yesterday, and we are yet to get the exact number of persons killed.

“There was a serious battle in the night. Two bodies have so far been recovered. Many houses were burnt.

“In fact, within the attacked communities, at least 17 burnt houses were counted. People have deserted their homes and are seeking shelter in neighbouring towns and villages.” stated the source.

Mike Inalegwu, a community leader and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, confirmed the incident.

He said,

“The truth is that yesterday, the armed herdsmen attacked Okpokpolo village and killed two persons while the villagers were thinking of their speculative attack on the Ogbai community.

“The tension is high, and the seven villages on the Kogi State border of the local government are deserted. This is authoritative.”

Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, also confirmed the attack but mentioned that he did not have specific details regarding the casualty figures at this time.

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.