Benue State witnessed another wave of tragedy as suspected armed herdsmen carried out coordinated attacks on two communities, resulting in the deaths of 13 people. The victims, many of whom were heading to church, were ambushed in separate incidents in Agatu and Gwer West Local Government Areas.
In Egwuma village, Agatu LGA, 12 residents were massacred in an unprovoked attack late Sunday. Survivors report that the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, descended on the community, burning homes and looting properties. Meanwhile, at Tse Iyo in Gwer West, another ambush claimed the life of a farmer returning from his fields, leaving one injured and five others missing.
Community leaders and local officials are raising alarms about the rising insecurity. Agatu Council Chairman Phillip Ebenyakwu confirmed the gruesome details, lamenting the porous nature of the region that has made such attacks frequent. Villages in the area have been deserted for over a year due to the persistent threats posed by herdsmen occupying the land.
Authorities are yet to fully account for the missing individuals, and there’s increasing pressure on the government to intervene decisively. While the police have acknowledged reports of the killings, details remain sparse as investigations continue.
The killings underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect vulnerable rural communities, as these attacks become alarmingly recurrent.
Peoplesmind
