Six killed as suspected herders attack Benue communities, displacing thousands

At least six people have been killed in two separate attacks by suspected herders on Iwari and Olegagbane communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The violence began over the weekend when the attackers invaded Iwari village, killing one person, before moving on to Olegagbane, where they claimed five more lives.

A local resident, speaking anonymously, reported that armed assailants have surrounded multiple villages in Agatu, targeting residents in their farms and homes.

 “On August 23rd, 2024, armed herders invaded Iwari community in Agatu LGA, killing one person and injuring several others. The following day, they attacked the Olegagbane community, killing five more people,” the resident recounted.

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The incident was confirmed by Phillip Ebenyakwu, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Agatu LGA, who expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence.

“The situation has been confirmed. The attackers come, kill, steal, loot, and then flee. These attacks are unbearable,” he stated.

Ebenyakwu also highlighted the challenge of managing the growing number of displaced persons, now numbering over 2,000 from at least seven, possibly nine, villages.

While the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has provided some relief materials, he noted that the assistance was insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs.

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, said she had not yet received information about the killings.