Monday, October 14, 2024 - Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen invaded two communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, k!lling two people and burning down houses.
It was gathered that the
separate incidents happened between Thursday and Friday, October 11, 2024,
in Ikpelle and Egwuma communities in the riverine areas of Agatu.
An indigene of the area, Joseph
Adakole, told newsmen in Makurdi at the weekend that the latest incident sacked
returning members of the communities from their homes again.
He said it was even more devastating compared to the series of attacks on the villagers who are predominantly farmers and fishermen.
Adakole expressed worry that
unless something urgent was done by security operatives, their entire villages
would become history as the armed invaders in the latest attack in Egwuma razed
down many houses.
Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin
Ejeh, who confirmed the incident to newsmen expressed sadness over the attack.
“I have just been sadly
informed of an attack on Egwuma community of Ogwule Ogbaulu Ward which led to
the burning of some houses and looting of livestock and property worth millions
of naira by suspected armed herders and cattle rustlers,” he said.
"I sympathise with the people of Egwuma and its environs and
call for calm as we are working non-stop to bring a lasting solution to this
age-long crisis.
“We have called for the immediate deployment of security officials
to the area to restore peace, but we are working on a long-term solution that
will come to fruition soonest.
“My administration would prioritise and ensure the rebuilding of communities and the safe return of every Agatu citizen back home. Agatu is our home, and no one would live as a displaced citizen in their ancestral home.”
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