Suspected Herders Kill Five in Benue State Attack

The Police Command in Benue State confirmed on Monday that suspected herders attacked the Egwuma community in Agatu Local Government Area, resulting in the deaths of five people.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the attack to the News Agency of Nigeria in Makurdi and stated that additional personnel had been deployed to the area to maintain peace.

However, Godwin Edoh, a member representing the Agatu constituency in the State House of Assembly, reported that the number of victims was actually 12. Edoh lamented the ongoing violence affecting his constituents and called for more decisive action from the government and security agencies to prevent further attacks.

“Government has to be decisive about what to do about this area because it is so porous,” Edoh said. He highlighted that several villages, including Ogbumogbo, Ejima, and Ikpele, have been deserted for nearly a year due to fear of attacks. According to Edoh, herders bring their cattle to graze in these abandoned villages during the day and leave in the evening, taking advantage of the absence of villagers and insufficient security measures.

The persistent insecurity in Agatu has led to increased tension and fear among the local population, with urgent calls for effective intervention to safeguard lives and property.