At least nine people, including a police officer, have been killed in a series of attacks by suspected terrorists on communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The deadly attacks, which began last Friday and continued until Tuesday, targeted several villages including Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele.
According to local residents, the attackers typically cross over from neighboring Kogi State, carry out their violent operations, and then retreat across the border.
A resident identified as Odeny told BenriNews: "The attacks started last Friday at Okwutanobe, where two people were killed. On Saturday they attacked Okpokpolo and killed one person. Yesterday, Monday, the armed herders invaded Olegagbani, where they killed one person. Today, Tuesday, the same armed herders attacked Ikpele, where they killed one police officer and four people."
James Melvin, Chairman of Agatu Local Government, confirmed both the attacks and the casualty figures. "It's true, I can confirm to you that four people were killed in Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo and Olegagbani, while five people, including a police officer, were killed in Ikpele today," he stated.
Melvin suggested the violence might be retaliatory following recent complaints by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) regarding alleged cattle rustling in the area.
"We totally condemn these attacks, and I think it was a reprisal for their earlier report of cattle rustling in Agatu communities," he explained. "We are appealing to them to give the government time to investigate the alleged rustling instead of taking the law into their own hands."
While commending security personnel for their efforts, the council chairman highlighted that poor road infrastructure in the area is hampering effective response to these security challenges.
This latest incident adds to the growing security concerns in Benue State, which has experienced recurring conflicts between farming communities and armed groups in recent years.
Stay updated with the latest news from Benue and across Nigeria. Follow BenriNews on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
