At least six people have been reportedly killed and several others sustained injuries in two separate attacks by armed herdsmen on the Iwari and Olegahbane communities of Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.
According to a source in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity the two incidents occurred Friday evening.
He explained that the attack on the Iwari community claimed one life while five others were killed in the Olegagbane community.
He stated that in recent times Agatu communities had come under attacks by the marauders who intermittently strike and retreat “and this time on Friday the armed herdsmen again attacked the Iwari community killing one person and injuring several others. On that same day, they also attacked the Olegagbane community, killing five people and injuring several other people for no reason whatsoever.
“In their usual style, after attacking the communities they disappeared but the people saw that they were armed herdsmen.”
Contacted, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Phillip Ebenyakwu who confirmed the development expressed concern over the ongoing attacks in the area.
He said: “It is true, the situation has been confirmed. “The attackers come, kill, steal, loot, and then flee. I do not know their motives, but these attacks are unbearable. I am in communication with security agencies, and they are working on it.”
The Chairman who lamented the impact of the attack said over 2,000 persons had been displaced from about seven affected villages pointing out that he was facing a challenge managing the affected persons.
“The number of the displaced people is overwhelming, though the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, did provide some relief materials, it was not sufficient.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene said she was yet to receive information on the development.
