From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Not fewer than 15 persons have been reportedly killed by herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
The former Vice Chairman of the Local government, Mr Anthony Ikwulono, told newsmen on phone in Makurdi that the incident took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, along Ogwumogbo and Okpo’okpolo axis of Agatu Local Government.
He said several others were also sustained various degree of injures, in the renewed attack by the armed herdsmen.
He said the corpses of those killed have been recovered describing the situation as unfortunate and terrible.
Another source who didn’t want to be named said the attack started on Saturday evening and continued into Sunday morning.
This was barely two weeks after a similar assault in Otobi-Akpa community in Otukpo LGA, claimed the life of a district head of Agatu living in Otukpo LGA and seven others.
The source said Ogbayi and Ogwumogbo communities were badly hit.
He narrated that “There was a small stream there, called Abekoko, one Ali from Ogwumogbo and five others whose names were not known yet, were killed.
“Our farming communities is now deserted, with residents fleeing to neighbouring areas in search of safety.
“The situation is dire, especially for women and children, who are urgently in need of assistance.
“We call on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia as well as security personnel, to kindly swing into action to put an end to this unfortunate massacre of our people by criminal herders”, the source said.
The Executive Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Melvin Ejeh was too emotional to speak when contacted. He simply said “I’m too emotional to speak on this incident. This is the first time we are witnessing this since I became Chairman. I’m sad,” he said.
As at the time of filing this report, the council chairman was said to be attending the burial of those killed by the herders.
When contacted, the chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, (MACBAN) Benue State chapter, Ardo Mohammed Risku, said he was in meeting and promised to call back.