Tragedy struck in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday as suspected armed herders launched fresh attacks on Egwuma and Ogbai communities, leaving four people dead and two others missing.
Locals reported that the victims included a woman and her son, who were killed while working on their farm in Egwuma, alongside two others slain in nearby Ogbai community.
A resident, who identified himself as Inalegwu, confirmed the incident.
“Some herdsmen attacked Egwuma and Ogbai communities today. They killed a woman and her son on their farm and also killed two others at Ogbai. As I speak, two people are still missing, and we are searching for them,” he said.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, described the attack as “senseless and barbaric,” condemning the killing of innocent villagers.
“This is an unprovoked attack on our people. How could anyone kill a mother and her son working peacefully on their farm?” he lamented.
James noted that the attack occurred while security operatives were patrolling other areas of the council, stressing that poor road infrastructure often hinders timely response to emergencies.
“The security operatives have been doing their best to safeguard our communities, but the deplorable roads remain a major challenge,” he explained.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive a formal briefing on the incident as she was on an official assignment.
Similarly, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, said he had not received details but directed inquiries to the council chairman, who confirmed the killings.
The attack adds to the growing list of violent clashes between suspected armed herders and farming communities in Benue, a state already grappling with recurring security challenges.
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