Crime

How Suspected Herdsmen Kill 26 in Benue Communities

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 16th, 2024.

How Suspected Herdsmen Kill 26 in Benue Communities

At least 26 people have been killed and over 200 left homeless after suspected herdsmen attacked the Agatu community in Benue South Senatorial District. The most affected areas are Ologomachi, Ikpele, and Eguma.

Paul Omale, a resident of Agatu, reported to The Nation that the attackers killed 13 people in Ologomachi and one person in Ikpele, where others were also abducted. He described how, on July 11, attackers armed with sophisticated weapons launched another assault on Ikpele, burning all the houses.

“At around 4 pm on June 14, suspected herdsmen invaded Eguma community and opened fire. When the chaos subsided, 12 people were dead, and the rest of the community fled for safety,” Omale recounted.

Joseph Okoh, another displaced resident from Eguma, confirmed that nine bodies had been recovered. He noted that approximately ten neighboring communities, including Ogumogbo, Ejima-gega, and Ejima Gochi, had also been deserted, with the displaced taking refuge in nearby villages.

Godwin Edoh, the representative of Agatu in the state House of Assembly, condemned the recurring attacks on Agatu people as unacceptable in a democracy. He expressed concern over the herdsmen crossing River Benue from Nasarawa State to graze openly in the border community of Ogumogbo without any intervention from security personnel. Edoh called on the Federal Government to establish a military base at Ogumogbo to prevent further attacks on his constituents.