From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Four persons, including two security personnel, were reportedly killed in a fresh attack by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia in Okokolo ward, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
It was gathered that several people were also injured and are in critical condition while villagers have deserted the area after the herdsmen attacked the villagers on Thursday.
A source from the area who didn’t want to be named said two security personnel and two other persons were feared killed during the attack, saying even as at Friday morning, the militia group had continued to cross into villages with sophisticated weapons.
Speaking to newsmen on phone in Makurdi on Friday, the lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Edoh, said however, that two villagers have died so far.
He said: “Yes, the attack was from herdsmen. It happened yesterday (Thursday). We had casualties, some were injured and we lost some lives.
What happened was there were threats of attacks on some village, Ocholonya and Ugboju K’ Ugbe since the past six days. So those people relocated to Okokolo. So it is in Okokolo that herdsmen came to attack them yesterday.”
The lawmaker said he had called the LG Chairmen and the DPO in charge of the place who confirmed they were there yesterday.
“I have also spoken to the deputy governor of the state,” he said.
Another source from Agatu LGA who pleaded to remain anonymous said men of the militia have crossed into the Otiya community between Thursday and Friday.
“We are waiting for military re-enforcement. Many villages, including Olegomakwu, Olegonyilo, Nahem, Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government have been totally deserted,” the source said.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, said she was not aware of the incident.