From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
About four persons, including two security personnel, have been reportedly killed in a fresh attack by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia in Okokolo ward, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
It was gathered that several people were also injured and are in critical condition while while villagers have deserted the area after the herdsmen attacked the villagers on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
A source from the area who didn’t want to be named said two security personnel and two other persons were feared killed during the attack saying even as at this morning, (Friday), the militia group have continued to cross into their villages with sophisticated weapons.
Speaking to newsmen on phone in Makurdi on Friday, the lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency, Hon Godwin Edoh, confirmed that two villagers have died so far.
He said: “Yes, the attack was from herdsmen, It happened yesterday, (Thursday).
“We had casualties, some were injured and we lost some lives. What happened was there were threats of attacks on some village, Ocholonya and Ugboju K’ Ugbe since the past six days.
“So those people deserted their place and relocated to Okokolo. So it is in Okokolo that herdsmen came to attack them yesterday. Those are the displaced village for now.”
Edoh said: “We lost about two people so far. A lot of people were injured and we are still monitoring their medication.”
The lawmaker said he has called the LG Chairmen and the DPO in charge of the place who confirmed they were there yesterday.
“I have also spoken to the deputy governor of the state,” he said.
Edoh who lamented the attack on the people of Agatu and particularly of Okokolo ward said “This has been a perennial attack on the good people of Agatu local government.
“On this note, I call on the security agents in Benue state through the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to ensure the culprits are brought to book.
“This is too many attacks on my people of Agatu and this must stop as the economy of Agatu has been put on hold due to the incessant attacks by the Fulani herdsmen.”
He urged Agatu people remain calm so they can wade in against the common enemies while he also sympathised with those who lost their loved ones in the attack, praying God to give the immediate families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss .
As at the time of filing this report on Friday, another source from Agatu LGA who pleaded to remain anonymous said “the militia have crossed around Otiya community since yesterday night till this morning in much number.
They are still crossing with weapons as at 30 minutes ago.
“We are waiting for military re-enforcement though Olegomakwu, Olegonyilo, Nahem, Ocholonya in Agatu local government has no single person at home right now.
He also added that, “all the women in Abugbe, Okokolo, Ugboju, Odugbeho, Olegobidu have fled since yesterday, Thursday, January 18, 2024.
“While some are scattered to Obagaji, Oshigbudu and Ugbokpo, some other have fled to Ojantele. We need help to curtail this impending humanitarian crisis,” he said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Benue state command, SP Catherine Anene, said she is not aware of the incident.