At least six people have been killed in two separate attacks in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Reports indicate that one person was killed in the Iwari community, while five others were killed in Olegagbane on Friday.
A resident, who wished to remain anonymous, shared details of the attacks: “Armed assailants attacked Iwari community, resulting in one death and several injuries. On Friday, August 23, 2024, they also targeted Olegagbane, where five more people were killed.”
Phillip Ebenyakwu, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the incidents, stating, “Yes, it’s confirmed. The attackers kill, steal, and loot before fleeing. Their motives are unclear, but they repeatedly return to cause harm. The situation has become untenable.”
Ebenyakwu also discussed the difficulties in managing the displaced persons from the affected communities: “We are currently assisting over 2,000 displaced individuals from seven, possibly nine, abandoned villages. The scale of the crisis is immense, and while the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has provided some relief materials, they are insufficient.”
Police spokeswoman SP Catherine Anene, when contacted, stated via text message that she was not aware of the incidents.
(DT)