Bandits Kill Three Farmers in Benue

Bandits were reported to have killed three villagers who were working on their farms in the Ogbaulu community of Agatu Local Government Area of Benúe State.

A local privy to the information, who spoke to journalists in a telephone conversation on Saturday said that the victims were working at their separate farms on Friday afternoon when the bandits attacked them.

“Three persons were slaughtered again by unknown gunmen on Friday at their farms in Ogbaulu community,” a local who preferred anonymity said.

Confirming the attack, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, Yakubu Ochepo said the attackers came through neighbouring Apa LGA and hacked the victims to death.

The chairman said, “It’s true the incident happened on Friday and the attackers came through Apa LGA, two of the deceased were natives of Agatu while the other victim hailed from Apa LGA.

Otukpo and Apa Agatu LGAs were among the worst hit by bandits’ attacks in recent times.

Disturbed by the incessant attacks and killings in his domain, the paramount ruler of the Idoma nation, His Royal Majesty, the Och’Idoma, Dr. John Eliagwu Odogbo condemned the recent spate of attacks within Agatu and its environs.

According to a statement by his media aide, Onuminya Odoba, the royal father expressed sadness over the three persons reportedly murdered on their farms.

The monarch noted that he was deeply disturbed by the news of the killing of the persons going about their lawful activities by yet-to-be-identified assailants.

“Agaba-Idu calls on the Police and local vigilantes to nip this trend on the sprout, investigate, and bring culprits to answer for the crime as humanity.

“Agaba-Idu assures all law-abiding persons in Idoma land of peaceful living within the kingdom, and is working round the clock with his Council of Chiefs in collaboration with government agencies to ensure people live and do businesses within our lands in peace, safety, and prosperity,” the statement read in parts.

Meanwhile, efforts to get the Police Public Relations Office, Catherine Anene to react to the latest incident in Agatu were unsuccessful as her phone rang out.

In April, bandits killed 26 people in attacks on three different communities in the Gwer West Local Government Area of the state.

The victims included six personnel of the state security outfits known as ‘Benue State Community Volunteer Guards and Livestock Guards who were deployed to mount security guards for a family who had gone to bury their loved one.