Two security personnel, including four others have been reportedly killed in a renewed attack by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia in Okokolo ward, Agatu Local Government Area, (LGA), of Benue state.

 

The attack happened on Thursday, January 18, 2024, till this morning, of Friday, 19, January, 2024, with the militia group continue crossing into the villages with sophisticated weapons.

 

The lawmaker representing Agatu State Constituency, Hon. Godwin Edoh,  confirmed the attack in a phone call today that two villagers have died so far in OKokolo and the attackers are armed herdsmen.

 

According to him there were threats of attacks on some village, Ocholonya and Ugboju K' Ugbe since the past six days, the people deserted their place and relocated to Okokolo, despite the relocation the herdsmen came to attack them yesterday and displaced the village.

 

Mr Edoh, said he has informed the police DPO who confirmed they were on ground yesterday, lamenting the attack on the people of Agatu and particularly of Okokolo ward as perennial attack and called on the security agents in Benue state  through the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to ensure the culprits are brought to book. 

 

As at the time of filing this report a native of Agatu LGA who pleaded to remain anonymous said the militias have crossed around Otiya since yesterday night till this morning, making all the women in Abugbe, Okokolo, Ugboju, Odugbeho, Olegobidu to have fled since yesterday, Thursday, January 18,2024.

 

While some are scattered to Obagaji, Oshigbudu and Ugbokpo, some others have fled to Ojantele.