SIX KILLED, MANY DISPLACED AS SUSPECTED HERDERS ATTACK BENUE COMMUNITIES

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Not less than six people were reported killed when suspected herders invaded the Iwari and Olagagbenea communities in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the invaders had at the weekend attacked Iwari village and killed one person before proceeding to the Olegagbane community, where they killed five people.

An indigene of the community who spoke on condition of anonymity, narrated that armed attackers have already cordoned off all the villages in Agatu and encircled them for attacks.

He said the invaders, suspected to be herders, have been killing residents on their farms and homes.

“On August 23rd, 2024, armed herders Invaded Iwari community in Agatu LGA, killing one person and injuring several others while on Friday, August 23, 2024 they also attacked the Olegagbane community, killing five people.”

The incident was confirmed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Agatu LGA, Phillip Ebenyakwu, who expressed concern over the ongoing killings in the area.

“It’s true; the situation has been confirmed,” he stated.

“The attackers come, kill, steal, loot and then flee. I don’t know their motives, but these attacks are unbearable.

“I am in communication with security agencies, and they are working on it.

“Our challenge now is how to manage the displaced people from the affected communities.

“As I speak to you, we have over 2,000 people who have been displaced from at least seven, possibly nine, villages.

“The number of displaced people is overwhelming. Though the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) did provide some relief materials, it was not sufficient,” he added.

Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, said she had yet to get information about the killings.