In a recent armed herdsmen attack on towns in Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), at least two soldiers and two more are thought to have died.
Along with some locals in the impacted towns, the commander of the soldiers was among the many injured in the attack. Additionally, one person has been declared missing.
According to information obtained from an unnamed local source, armed herders from neighboring Nasarawa State had already ransacked the communities of Okokolo, Olegomakwu, Olegonyilo, Nahem, and Ocholonya in an unprovoked attack.
Furthermore, he told them that women and children are running away from communities like Abugbe, Ugboju, Odugbeho, and Olegobidu, walking several kilometers in search of safer places to hide out.
He said, “Since yesterday (Thursday) till this morning, a large number of militia members have been crossing through Otiya village and attacking our people, many of whom are already missing.
“From what we’ve been told, the ongoing attack has resulted in the deaths of two of our people and two soldiers as well as numerous injuries.”
Even as of early Friday morning, they continue to cross carrying firearms. Even though Olegomakwu, Olegonyilo, Nahem, and Ocholonya are currently deserted, we are expecting for military reinforcement.
“Since yesterday, the women in Abugbe, Okokolo, Ugboju, Odugbeho, and Olegobidu have fled; many are seeking safety in Obagaji, Oshigbudu, and Ugbokpo, while some are at Ojantele.”
The latest attack has resulted in the deaths of several people and injuries to others, according to legislator Godwin Edoh, who represents the Agatu State Constituency. Edoh expressed shock and dismay at the level of attacks his constituents endure due to armed herdsmen incursions in Agatu.
According to the congressman, throughout the previous six days, there have been threats of attacks against a few villages, namely Ocholonya and Ogboju Ogbupe. That’s why those folks moved to Okokolo and left their homes. Yesterday, on Thursday, ranchers arrived in Okokolo to attack them.
Thus far, we have lost roughly two members of our group. We continue to monitor their medication because many people were hurt.
“In my capacity as the area’s representative in Congress, I spoke with the chairs of the local governments and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who verified to me that he was present yesterday. On the subject, I have also spoken with the state’s deputy governor.
“This is too many attacks on my good people of Agatu and this nonsense must stop because the economy of Agatu has been put on hold due to the incessant attacks by the Fulanis herdsmen,” Mr. Edoh stated, urging his people to remain peaceful and stand united against the external aggressors.
Affected community member and former Commissioner for Information, Mr. Micheal Inalegwu, stated that “people fled from their homes as armed herdsmen came with their militia and shot sporadically at Okokolo, Ugboju, Akwu, Ogboju, and Odugbeho.”
Thus, the same herders ambushed the soldiers who were on patrol. These soldiers were stationed close to my home in Akwu. They came to the scene to see what was happening after hearing the gunshots. Regretfully, after crossing the river, the soldiers were ambushed by the Turks, who shot their commander, killing two of the soldiers.
“The Commander is hospitalized after suffering a gunshot wound to the hand. Both of their corpses have been relocated to Makurdi.
While we are conversing, one of the soldiers is still absent. The Fulanis were the ones who
answered the phone when someone called his number.
“The police and air force are currently in my village as I speak with you. Had the army not gone there yesterday, they would have killed more people and caused a great deal more mayhem. To keep the people safe, they paid the ultimate price.
A request for an answer from Operation Whirl Stroke, or OPWS, was not successful, and Superintendent Catherine Anene, the police public relations officer, claimed not to have been given any information on the incident.
Source:VanguardNGR
