At least two people were killed by armed Fulani herders who invaded and attacked the Atakpa community in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Chronicle NG gathered that the incident, which happened on Monday night, created panic among villagers, some of whom have fled the community.
A source in the community who identified himself as Sunny told the press that the suspected armed herders invaded the community on Monday night.
He said, “These Fulani herdsmen invaded the Atakpa community in Agatu LGA yesterday (Monday) night and killed two youths who attempted to repel them.
“If you can recall, some communities in the neighboring Apa LGA were attacked on Friday and Sunday evening, killing several people.
“As a result, some of our youths, who are members of the vigilance group, were on surveillance in the Atakpa community when they encountered the herdsmen. In the process of repelling them, two people were killed.”
Attempts to obtain a statement from council chairman Melvin Ejeh were unsuccessful as his phone rang.
DSP Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the attack on the community to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday and reported one person missing and one injured.
Edet said, “There was a report of an attack on the Atakpa community, but nobody was killed. A stray bullet hit one person, who is now receiving treatment at the hospital, while another person is missing.
“However, search efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.”
The Monday attack came just 24 hours after an attack on inhabitants of Edikwu Ankpali in Apa LGA, in which numerous persons were reportedly slain.
On Thursday night, unidentified gunmen stormed Mbwelle village in Plateau State’s Bokkos Local Government Area and slaughtered at least eight individuals, all members of one family.
