Nine Murdered in Fresh Suspected Herders’ Onslaught on Benue Communities

0At least nine people, including a police officer, have been confirmed dead following a series of attacks by suspected armed herders in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attacks, which stretched several days, affected four communities Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele with reports indicating that the assailants crossed over from neighbouring Kogi State before launching the deadly raids.

According to James Melvin, Chairman of Agatu LGA, the violence began last Friday when two civilians were killed in Okwutanobe. This was followed by another attack in Okpokpolo on Saturday, where one person died. The violence escalated on Monday with another fatality in Olegagbani.

However, the deadliest attack occurred on Tuesday, when suspected herders invaded Ikpele, killing five persons, including a police officer who was part of a security team deployed to the area.

Local authorities suspect the killings may be linked to retaliation over alleged cattle rustling, with herders accusing residents of stealing their livestock. Chairman Melvin urged community members to allow security agencies to investigate and avoid taking laws into their own hands.

“The terrain is difficult. In some cases, it takes security agents four hours to reach the affected communities,” Melvin said, noting that poor road infrastructure has hindered effective response.

Security personnel have since been deployed to the area, while investigations are ongoing.

Benue State has long been a flashpoint for clashes between farming communities and nomadic herders, often resulting in mass casualties and displacement.