At least five people were killed in an attack by suspected herdsmen on Egwuma community in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Local sources reported that the bodies of five villagers were found in the bush after the attack. In response, youths have mobilized to defend the community and have also alerted security agencies.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, stated that additional security personnel have been deployed to the area to maintain peace.
However, Godwin Edoh, the lawmaker representing Agatu constituency in the state assembly, gave a higher death toll of 12. Edoh expressed deep concern over the recurring attacks and called for urgent action from both government and security agencies to stop the violence.
He said: “Government has to be decisive about what to do about this area because it is so porous.
“The Ogbumogbo, Ejima and other villages down to Ikpele, have been deserted for close to one year
“The herders come over to the deserted villages with their cattle for grazing in the morning and leave in the evening.
“They are able to do these, because the villagers had left their communities for fear of attacks and the security agents are not doing enough to address this development.”
