Follow Us on Google
From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Five persons have been confirmed dead with one missing in Agatu and Otukpo local government areas of Benue State, after armed men suspected to be herdsmen militia attacked some communities.
Our correspondent gathered that the five persons were killed in two separate attacks on Thursday, while many others were injured.
A source from Agatu, said, herdsmen attacked Atakpa community and killed four persons, while the fifth person was killed in Otukpo LGA.
The source, who didn’t want to be named told newsmen on phone that “Atakpa and Ogbaulu are under heavy attack by herdsmen presently. Four persons have been killed and several women were raped. Another source stated that herders attacked farmers in Iwili community of Otukpo LGA on Wednesday, 22 March and killed one person.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the killings, saying the details of the incidents have not been sent to her yet.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Joseph Ngbede, confirmed the incident saying: “There was an attack by herders yesterday. It was a random shooting at Atakpa to be precise by 5pm on Thursday and their mission was unknown to us.
“It was unexpected. The last time we checked, we don’t believe that Atakpa has any issue with them. The youth leader from Atakpa is missing, four people have been killed and many have been injured in the attack. The police are still searching.”
