George Okoh in Makurdi
Just barely a week after three security personnel were killed by herdsmen in Agatu Local Government Area(LGA) of Benue State, two other persons have been reportedly killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Ikpele and Okpokpolo communities of Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.
The attackers, according to a resident, also destroyed several houses in the communities and left many people injured.
According to local sources, the herdsmen came to the communities in their numbers Tuesday night at about 11 p.m. from neighbouring Nasarawa State.
“The attack happened on (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,” a source said.
A former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Benue, Mr. Mike Inalegwu, who confirmed the incident, said: “The truth is that yesterday(Tuesday) 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.”
The Benue Police command was yet to confirm the incident as the Public Relation Officer (PRO) DSP Sewuese Anene, said that the case had not been reported.
