By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
Suspected herders on Monday launched a deadly assault on Egwuma community in Agatu Local Government Area, resulting in the loss of lives.
Benue has been a theatre of bloody conflict between indigenous peoples and herdsmen who insist on grazing their cattle on traditional land.
Close sources told Irohinoodua that no fewer than fives lives were lost in the latest attack.
The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the attack on Monday, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Additional police forces have been deployed to restore calm in the area.
Mr. Godwin Edoh, representing Agatu constituency in the State House of Assembly, according to News Agency if Nigeria, (NAN) corroborated the attack, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence that has claimed the lives of at least twelve people according to his account. Edoh emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures from government and security agencies to prevent further bloodshed.
“The Ogbumogbo, Ejima, and other nearby villages have been abandoned for nearly a year,” Edoh lamented, describing how herders freely graze their cattle in these deserted areas with minimal oversight from security forces.
He urged decisive action to safeguard the vulnerable communities and restore peace.