Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Four persons, including two security personnel, were allegedly killed in a renewed attack by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia in Okokolo ward, Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
It was learnt that several people were also injured and are in critical condition while villagers have fled the community after the herdsmen invaded the village on Thursday.
A source from the community who preferred anonymity, said two security personnel and two other persons were feared killed during the attack, adding that even as at Friday morning, the militia group had continued to cross into villages with dangerous weapons.
On the part of the lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Edoh, he said however, that two villagers have died so far.
“Yes, the attack was from herdsmen. It happened yesterday (Thursday). We had casualties, some were injured and we lost some lives.
“What happened was there were threats of attacks on some villages, Ocholonya and Ugboju K’ Ugbe since the past six days. So those people relocated to Okokolo. So it is in Okokolo that herdsmen came to attack them yesterday”, Edoh said.
He added that he had called the council chairman and the DPO in charge of the place who confirmed they were there yesterday.
“I have also spoken to the deputy governor of the state,” he said.
Another person who preferred anonymity, said men of the militia have crossed into the Otiya community between Thursday and Friday.
“We are waiting for military re-enforcement. Many villages, including Olegomakwu, Olegonyilo, Nahem, Ocholonya in Agatu Local Government have been totally deserted,” the source maintained.
Responding, the Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, denied knowledge of the invasion.