At least six people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in two separate attacks by armed herdsmen on the Iwari and Olegagbane communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. A local source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the attacks took place on Friday evening, with one person killed in Iwari and five others in Olegagbane.
The source noted that Agatu communities have been repeatedly targeted by these assailants, who launch attacks sporadically and then retreat. On Friday, the armed herdsmen attacked Iwari, killing one person and injuring several others, before moving on to Olegagbane, where they killed five people and wounded several more without any apparent provocation.
After the assaults, the attackers reportedly vanished, though locals identified them as armed herdsmen. Mr. Phillip Ebenyakwu, chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incidents, expressing concern over the ongoing violence in the area. He mentioned that the attackers come, kill, loot, and flee, and while the motives are unclear, the attacks are intolerable. Ebenyakwu also highlighted the displacement of over 2,000 people from seven affected villages, pointing out the difficulties in managing the displaced population. Although the State Emergency Management Agency provided some relief materials, he noted that the supplies were insufficient.
Meanwhile, Police Public Relations Officer Superintendent Catherine Anene stated that she had not yet received any information regarding the attacks.
