20 killed, 100 houses set ablaze over fish pond in Agatu

No fewer than 20 persons have been killed and 100 houses set ablaze in Aila, Egba ward of Agatu local government area in Benue state.

The chairman of Agbaduma Development Association (AGA) Makurdi branch Benjamin Eigege disclosed this during an interactive session with reporters in Makurdi, Benue state capital.

He called on the state and federal governments to deploy security men in Aila community to protect lives and property.

He alleged indigenes of Aila in Egba ward Agatu local government area in Benue south have been under incessant attacks from neighbouring Egba community over a disputed fishing pond.

He said suspected militia have so far killed 20 persons in Aila and set houses ablaze with many rendered homeless.
According to him, the lingering crisis assumed a more dangerous dimension on March 18 when an Aila man, Nghede Ibrahim, was shot dead at the fishing pond by suspected militia from Egba an adjoining village.

He stated further while the acting chairman of Agatu Local Government Council Alhaji Oyigbocho visited Aila community to calm down tensions and pleaded against reprisal attacks, some suspected militia stormed Aila community and killed 9 persons immediately he left.

“They set over 100 houses ablaze and destroyed property worth millions,” Eigege lamented.

(Credit: The Nation)