Several persons have been killed in a fresh attack on the Ugboju community in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Contradictory accounts surround the precise casualty figures, but according to a Channels Television source, nine individuals lost their lives in the recent outbreak of violence in the North-Central State.
Suspected herdsmen were responsible for the attack, which occurred on Wednesday night.
John Ikwulono, a former deputy chairman of Agatu Local Government, disclosed in a telephone interview with Channels Television on Thursday that nine bodies were retrieved following the assault.
“Suspected armed Herdsmen came to Ogboju community in Agatu local government yesterday night to attack our people again. This attack claimed nine lives as at the last count of the recovered corpses,” he stated.
The latest attack is yet to be officially confirmed by the Benue State Government and the police authorities.
Efforts to obtain verification from the Benue Police Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, and inquiries made on the police media WhatsApp group have not yielded responses.
Benue State has been witnessing a series of assaults by gunmen, resulting in the loss of lives and the displacement of numerous individuals.
The Agatu Local Government appears to be particularly affected, with a previous attack claiming the lives of at least eight people. On Saturday, residents in Ogwumogbo, Ikpele, and Ejima village were compelled to evacuate their homes due to the gunmen’s assault.
During his operational visit to Benue last November, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Taoreed Lagbaja urged the troops of 401 Special Forces Brigade Makurdi to maintain discipline and professionalism in carrying out their constitutional duties.
Lagbaja expressed appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication to the nation, encouraging them to persist in delivering their utmost to uphold peace and stability.