Gunmen kill 2, set houses ablaze in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have invaded two communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State killing two people and burning houses.

Our correspondent gathered that the separate incidents happened between Thursday and Friday in Ikpelle and Egwuma communities in the riverine areas of Agatu.

An indigene of the area, Joseph Adakole, told newsmen in Makurdi that the latest incident sacked returning members of the communities from their homes again.

He said it was even more devastating compared to the series of attacks on the villagers who are predominantly farmers and fishermen.

Adakole expressed worry that unless something urgent was done by security operatives, their entire villages would become history as the armed invaders in the latest attack in Egwuma razed down many houses.

Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, who confirmed the incident to newsmen expressed sadness over the attack saying: “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.”

The police authorities could not be reached at the time of filing this report.