At least 15 traders have been killed in a deadly ambush by armed assailants in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday evening, local officials confirmed.

The victims were returning from the popular Oweto market when gunmen laid siege around the Ogwumogbo and Okpo'okpolo communities, launching a surprise attack on the unsuspecting traders.

John Ikwulono, former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, who confirmed the incident, revealed that many others sustained injuries during the assault. According to Ikwulono, five of the victims were killed near a stream called Abekoko, located between Ogbayi and Ogwumogbo.

One of the deceased has been identified as a man known as Ali from Ogwumogbo, while the identities of the other victims remain unknown at the time of this report.

The Agatu LGA Chairman, Melvin James, was reportedly attending the burial of the victims on Sunday. An aide to the chairman, who confirmed the killings but declined to be named, alleged that the attack was carried out by armed herders.

This deadly attack adds to the growing security concerns in Benue State, which has witnessed recurring violence between farming communities and herders in recent years.

As of the time of this report, security agencies have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The attack has heightened tensions in the area, with local residents calling for increased security presence to prevent further violence.