From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen have reportedly killed three farmers in Ogbaulu community, Agatu Local Government Area, (LGA), of Benue State.
Sources from the area told newsmen on phone that the incident happened on Friday afternoon while the farmers were working in their various farms.
“Three persons were slaughtered again by unknown gunmen on Friday at their farms in Ogbaulu community,” a local who didn’t want to be said.
Confirming the incident, Caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA, Yakubu Ochepo, said the assailants came through Apa axis and attacked their victims and hacked them to death on the spot.
He explained that two of the victims were natives of Agatu while one hailed from Apa, a neighbouring LGA which recently came under siege of the armed invaders.
Meanwhile, Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, has frowned at the continued killings in parts of his senatorial district by suspected herdsmen.
Moro expressed worries that Apa, Agatu and Otukpo LGAs have been under bloody attacks by the armed herders leading to wanton destruction of lives and property.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, the senator condemned the recent killings in the land, especially the Sunday and Friday killings in Ogbaulu community, in Agatu LGA, saying “the unprovoked attacks which resulted in the gruesome murder of five armless villagers on their farms are unacceptable.”
He called on security agents to go after the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to book.
Similarly, the paramount ruler of Idoma Kingdom, Och’Idoma, Dr. John Eliagwu Odogbo has condemned in the recent spate of attacks within Agatu and its environs.
The royal father in a statement by his media aide, Onuminya Samuel Odoba, expressed sadness over the three persons reportedly murdered in their farms, noting that he was
deeply disturbed by the news of the killing of persons going about their lawful activities by yet-to-be-identified assailants.
The Och’Idoma called on the Police and local vigilantes to nip this trend in the bud, investigate, and bring culprits to answer for the crime to humanity.
“The statement read further, “Agaba-Idu assures all law-abiding persons in Idoma land of peaceful living within the kingdom, and is working round the clock with his Council of Chiefs in collaboration with government agencies to ensure people live and do businesses within our lands in peace, safety, and prosperity.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, said does not have any report on killings in Agatu.