Two killed, houses razed as herdsmen attack Agatu

Suspected armed herdsmen have initiated fresh assaults on Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities in the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, resulting in the death of at least two individuals and numerous injuries.

The assailants reportedly set several houses ablaze, leaving many residents currently missing. This recent attack occurred just one week after a similar incident in Okokolo community in Agatu LGA, where three security personnel and two civilians lost their lives.

According to information gathered by DAILY POST from a local source, the attackers, believed to have originated from neighboring Nasarawa State, struck the communities on Tuesday night around 10 p.m. The assaults continued throughout the night, subjecting residents to a harrowing ordeal.

“The attack happened yesterday (Tuesday) night. They targeted Ikpele, Okpokpolo, and other areas throughout the night, and we are yet to ascertain the exact number of casualties. There was a serious battle, and two bodies have been recovered so far. Many houses were also burnt. In fact, within the attacked communities, we counted at least 17 burnt houses. People have abandoned their homes, seeking shelter in neighboring towns and villages,” stated the source.

Mike Inalegwu, a community leader and former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism, confirmed the incident, revealing, “Yesterday, armed herdsmen attacked Okpokpolo village, killing two individuals while the villagers were anticipating a retaliatory attack on the Ogbai community. The tension is high, and the seven villages on the Kogi State border of the local government are deserted. This information is authoritative.”

Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, also confirmed the attack. However, he noted that specific details regarding casualty figures were not available at this time.