Suspected Herdsmen Kill Two, Set Houses Ablaze In Benue Communities

Makurdi, Benue State- Two people were killed, and several homes were set on fire in two separate attacks by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incidents, which occurred in Ikpelle and Egwuma communities between Thursday and Friday, October 11, 2024, have left residents in fear.

According to a local resident, Joseph Adakole, the assailants targeted the riverine communities, displacing villagers who had recently returned after previous attacks.

Speaking to reporters in Makurdi, Adakole described the situation as dire, expressing concern that without swift intervention by security forces, the entire area could be overrun.

“This latest attack in Egwuma is devastating. Houses have been burnt to the ground, and the fear among the people is palpable. These villages are home to farmers and fishermen, and if the attacks continue, we might lose everything,” Adakole lamented.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, who confirmed the incident to newsmen expressed sadness over the attack.

“I have just been sadly informed of an attack on Egwuma community of Ogwule Ogbaulu Ward which led to the burning of some houses and looting of livestock and property worth millions of naira by suspected armed herders and cattle rustlers,” he said.

“I sympathise with the people of Egwuma and its environs and call for calm as we are working non-stop to bring a lasting solution to this age-long crisis.

“We have called for the immediate deployment of security officials to the area to restore peace, but we are working on a long-term solution that will come to fruition soonest.

“My administration would prioritise and ensure the rebuilding of communities and the safe return of every Agatu citizen back home. Agatu is our home, and no one would live as a displaced citizen in their ancestral home.”