Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia have again, reportedly killed 10 pesons in Ogbaulu community in Agatu Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State.
This is coming barely one week after armed herders, on 4th of May 2024, attacked three farmers and slaughtered them in their farms in the same Ogbaulu community.
It was reported that another attack took place two days ago where the suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed a pregnant woman and 10 other persons after they launched attack on Akilo community in Usha council ward in Agatu West of Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
According to residents from the area, the fresh attack took place on Tuesday night making it the fifth attack in the month of May.
A local who identified himself as Shehu Abdullahi, told newsmen on phone in Makurdi, that the invaders again, stormed Ogbaulu village at about 9pm on Tuesday and started shooting sporadically killing 10 persons including an Igbo trader.
Abdullahi said the killers came through neighbouring community in Apa LGA to launched attacks on Ogbaulu people.
“After the attack, soldiers came and we went out to search for bodies of victims. As at this afternoon Wednesday, about nine dead bodies were recovered including the ones picked last night.
“It was a critical moment for us in Agatu particularly in Ogbaulu community. We are calling on government at all levels to come to the aid of Agatu people. We are now living at the mercies of God and that of herdsmen,” he added.
Confirming the attacks, the caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA, Mr. Yakubu Ochepo said about four people died even though he is yet to get the final report.
Ochepo also confirmed that the invaders came from Apa side to carry out their dastardly acts.
“It’s Fulanis that carried out the attack. They are saying some indigenous people are among them. But when we called the numbers of those they killed, it was the Fulani that picked.
“Our concern is why Fulani pass and the locals would not know. Ogbaulu is on the top hill side and that is why we are surprised.
“As I’m talking to you now, OPWS has mobilized over 400 personnel to Agatu. The soldiers went in immediately in the night. I can confirm to you, there are casualties of about four people. But I have not gotten the final report.
“They came from Apa side and as I’m talking to you now, OPWS has mobilized over 400 personnel to Agatu. More than 100 soldiers are currently stationed in Ogbaulu to avert further attack”, Ochepo said.
