Suspected armed herdsmen carried out a fatal attack on the Egwuma village in Benue State’s Agatu Local Government Area, killing six people, including two soldiers, on Tuesday.
According to a local resident named Anthony, the herdsmen stormed the village at 5 p.m., terrorising residents.
The attack reportedly caused residents to evacuate their houses in terror.
Philip Ebenyakwu, the Caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed the event to the press on Wednesday, saying six individuals were murdered in the attack, including two soldiers.
“Yes, there was a serious attack in Egwuma yesterday (Tuesday), and we lost about six lives, including two soldiers,” Ebenyakwu stated.
He stated that the herdsmen, believed to be from Kogi State, surprised the soldiers when they entered the community.
He stated, “The incident happened around 5 p.m. They crossed in from Kogi State, took the soldiers by surprise, and began shooting sporadically. They killed six people, including two soldiers, took their guns, and fled. We also have other casualties.”
Furthermore, Ebenyakwu added that security forces were being mobilised to the area, saying, “We have contacted security agencies, and the soldiers are mobilizing. The Navy, Air Force Commandant, Commissioner of Police, and Chief Security Aides to the Benue State Governor are working to address the situation.”
When contacted, Catherine Anene, the Benue State Police spokesperson, said she had not yet received a report on the attack. “I don’t have this report, please,” Anene said in a terse message.
