From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Two soldiers have been confirmed killed with another missing in a renewed attack in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State.
The herdsmen reportedly attacked Okokolo community in Agatu on Thursday January 18, 2024, spreading fear and killing four persons including two soldiers.
Immediate past Commissioner for Information, Mike Inalegwu, who hails from the community, confirmed this on Friday, in a chat with newsmen on phone, in Makurdi.
Inalegwu said the herdsmen came with their militia and fired gun at the communities making people to run away from their villages.
According to him, the soldiers were on patrol when they were ambushed by the armed herdsmen.
“The herdsmen came with their militias and they were firing gun and people in Okokolo, Akpa, Ugboju, Odugbeho ran away from the villages.
“So the soldiers on patrol were ambushed by the same herdsmen.
They were the soldiers that were stationed at Akpu, my village, in front of my house, for the past eight years.
“When they heard of gunshots they decided to go and find out where the gun came from and on crossing the river and patrolling, the herdsmen ambushed them, shot their leader, and killed two of the policemen instantly.”
He said their commander was shot on the hand and he is currently in the hospital where he is receiving treatment while the corpse of the others have been transported to Makurdi.
According to him, “One of the soldiers is missing because when they dialled his number it was the voice of the herders they heard.
“As I’m talking to you, the police, air force and other security agencies are in my village now “
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, also confirmed the attack saying a delegation comprising of the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Strategic Liaison, Col Alexander Ashungu, Commissioner of Police and other were on their way to the scene of the incident.
He said details of the incident will be given when they return from the area.