Suspected armed herdsmen have killed nine persons, including a police officer, in fresh attacks across Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The violence has further heightened tensions between Igede and Tiv communities following separate killings of two youths in Gwer East Local Government Area.
Communities affected in the latest attacks include Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele. A local source, who requested anonymity, revealed that the assailants launched coordinated assaults from neighboring Kogi State beginning Friday.
“The attacks started last Friday at Okwutanobe, where two people were killed. On Saturday they attacked Okpokpolo and killed one person. On Monday the armed herders invaded Olegagbani where they killed one person, today (yesterday) the same armed herders attacked Ikpele where they killed one Police officer and four people. As we speak, people are fleeing their homes but no one knows where they will attack next,” the source said.
Agatu council chairman James Melvin confirmed the casualties: “I can confirm to you that four people were killed in Okwitanobe, Okpokpolo and Olegugbani while five people, including a police officer, were killed in Ikpele today.” He suggested the attacks might be retaliation for alleged cattle rustling.
Meanwhile, ethnic tensions flared after suspected Tiv youths killed two Igede men—Jonathan Ogah and Gabriel Ogodo—in Ulam community. The victims, one newly married, were ambushed while traveling from Oju to Makurdi. The incident has forced travelers and students of College of Education Oju to avoid the Oju-Aliade road.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned both incidents, including a separate clash in Buruku LGA linked to a boat accident. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, the governor issued a 48-hour ultimatum for security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Nobody or group has the right to invade another community or inflict harm under any circumstance,” Alia stated. “Benue is beginning to experience a level of security stability, and I will not tolerate any attempt by anyone regardless of their status or intentions to instigate unrest.”
Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro described the killing of the Igede youths as “barbaric and dastardly,” urging state intervention. The Ito Youths Association similarly condemned the act, noting it “has once again shaken the fragile peace in our communities.”
Benue State Police spokesperson Udeme Edet acknowledged deployments to the areas but said he awaited full situation reports.