BREAKING: Blood flows in Agatu as herdsmen kill scores in fresh attach

Suspected herdsmen on Saturday launched a brutal attack on several communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, resulting in the loss of eight lives.

The affected areas, including Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima, witnessed a mass exodus of residents as insecurity continued to grip the region.

Agatu has become a consistent target for armed herders’ attacks over the past two weeks, with both military personnel and civilians falling prey to the escalating violence.

Major General Sunday Igbinowanhia, the Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, confirmed the earlier incident, revealing a three-hour gun duel where the troops successfully repelled the armed herders.

Another attack, just five days later, was confirmed by Mike Inalegwu, the former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

The most recent assault on Saturday, the third within two weeks, reportedly endured for four hours, with armed herders rampaging through multiple communities. Residents of Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima were forced to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in the forest.

Expressing frustration at the persistent violence, Godwin Edoh, the representative of Agatu state constituency in the Benue State Assembly, stated, “It’s true. These attackers invaded the three communities of Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima on Saturday between 12 and 4 pm, and they sacked the people.

“Eight people were killed in this latest attack, and several more are still missing. No one is coming to our aid, and the governor is quiet. I do not understand this.”

When contacted, SP Catherine Anene, the Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, reported that she did not have the specific report on the recent incident.