Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have carried out deadly attacks on two communities in Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State. The incidents occurred between Thursday and Friday, October 11, 2024, in Ikpelle and Egwuma.
Two individuals were killed and several houses were burned down in the attacks, which targeted predominantly farming and fishing communities in the riverine areas of Agatu. According to Joseph Adakole, an indigene of the area, the recent attacks have forced returning residents to flee their homes once again.
The chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, has expressed deep sadness over the violence. He confirmed the incidents and emphasized the urgent need for security operatives to intervene and prevent further displacement of the affected communities.
He said: “I have just been sadly informed of an attack on Egwuma community of Ogwule Ogbaulu Ward which led to the burning of some houses and looting of livestock and property worth millions of naira by suspected armed herders and cattle rustlers.
“I sympathise with the people of Egwuma and its environs and call for calm as we are working non-stop to bring a lasting solution to this age-long crisis.
“We have called for the immediate deployment of security officials to the area to restore peace, but we are working on a long-term solution that will come to fruition soonest.
“My administration would prioritise and ensure the rebuilding of communities and the safe return of every Agatu citizen back home. Agatu is our home, and no one would live as a displaced citizen in their ancestral home.”
