Suspected armed herders have killed four people in a fresh attack on Aila Odugheho community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday morning as the victims were walking along the Aila Odugheho road to a neighbouring village when they were ambushed.
A resident, Danny Uloko, who spoke via telephone, said the attackers struck suddenly.
“The victims were walking along Aila Odugheho road to a nearby community when the Fulani herders ambushed them and killed them,” he said.
The deceased were identified as Ochefije Elijah Ojema, Igojuju Husaini, Odiya Ochowehi, and Ochoyoda Adejo.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the attack, noting that four persons lost their lives in the incident.
“It is true the incident happened today (Sunday morning). Four of our people were killed,” he said.
Ejeh explained that increased security presence in the area has made it difficult for attackers to overrun entire communities, forcing them to adopt ambush tactics.
“Because of the robust security strategies we have put in place in the communities, it is now difficult to attack and overrun any community in Agatu Local Government Area.
“Hence, they have resorted to ambush, which is more complex to confront. However, clearance operations are currently ongoing to rid the community forest of bandits,” he added.
He said security personnel, including police operatives and local vigilantes, have commenced clearance operations in the area.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report, adding that attempts to reach the Divisional Police Officer in Agatu were unsuccessful.
“I am yet to get the report because I have not been able to reach the DPO in Agatu,” she said.
The latest killings add to a growing wave of violence in the area. In a similar incident recently, gunmen attacked Olegabulu community in the same local government, killing a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others.
