At least six people have been reported dead and several others injured following two separate attacks by armed herdsmen on the Iwari and Olegagbane communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a local source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the incidents occurred on Friday evening. The source explained that the attack on the Iwari community claimed one life, while five others were killed in the Olegagbane community.
“In recent times, Agatu communities have faced repeated assaults by these marauders, who strike intermittently and then retreat.
“On Friday, the armed herdsmen attacked the Iwari community, killing one person and injuring several others. The same day, they struck the Olegagbane community, killing five people and wounding several others without any provocation,” the source told Newspot.
The attackers reportedly disappeared after the assaults, but locals identified them as armed herdsmen.
Mr. Phillip Ebenyakwu, chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incidents and expressed concern over the ongoing violence in the area.
“The attackers come, kill, steal, loot, and then flee. I do not know their motives, but these attacks are unbearable. I am in communication with security agencies, and they are working on it,” he said.
Ebenyakwu also lamented the displacement of over 2,000 people from seven affected villages, noting the challenges in managing the displaced population.
“The number of displaced people is overwhelming. Although the State Emergency Management Agency provided some relief materials, it was not sufficient,” he added.
Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Catherine Anene stated that she had not yet received information on the attacks.
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