- Locals said the attack happened on Tuesday morning around 10, adding that the attackers came from neighbouring Nasarawa State.
Armed herders wreaking havoc across the middle belt have struck again in Benue state leaving trails of death and destruction in their wake.
At least two people were killed when the rampaging herders attacked Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
Locals said the attack happened on Tuesday morning around 10, adding that the attackers came from neighbouring Nasarawa State.
The attackers reportedly razed several houses and many residents are currently missing.
The onslaught reportedly continued throughout the night, with residents enveloped in apprehension and catastrophe.
“The attack happened yesterday (Tuesday) night. They attacked Ikpele, Okpokpolo, and other places all night yesterday, and we are yet to get the exact number of persons killed.
“There was a serious battle in the night. Two bodies have so far been recovered. Many houses were burnt.
“In fact, within the attacked communities, at least 17 burnt houses were counted. People have deserted their homes and are seeking shelter in neighbouring towns and villages.” stated the source.
Mike Inalegwu, a community leader and former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The truth is that yesterday, the armed herdsmen attacked Okpokpolo village and killed two persons while the villagers were thinking of their speculative attack on the Ogbai community.
“The tension is high, and the seven villages on the Kogi State border of the local government are deserted. This is authoritative.”
Chief Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, also confirmed the attack but did not go into specifics and details.
This recent assault occurred just a week after a similar attack on Okokolo community in Agatu LGA, where three security personnel and two others lost their lives.
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