Makurdi, – At least nine people, including a police officer, have been confirmed dead following a series of coordinated attacks by suspected armed herders on several communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.The affected communities — Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele — have seen continuous violence since last Friday, prompting mass displacement and fear among residents.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the attackers, believed to have crossed over from neighbouring Kogi State, launched attacks over four days. “They came on Friday, killed two people in Okwutanobe, then moved to Okpokpolo on Saturday. By Monday, they attacked Olegagbani and on Tuesday, they struck Ikpele, killing a police officer and four civilians,” said a local source who asked not to be named.
Chairman of Agatu LGA, James Melvin, confirmed the deaths and expressed deep concern over the growing security threat in the area. “In three days, nine people have been killed — four in previous attacks and five today, including a gallant police officer,” he said.
He suggested the violence may be reprisal attacks over allegations of cattle rustling by criminal elements, a claim often used by herders to justify attacks.
Meanwhile, rising ethnic tensions have been reported between Igede-speaking communities in Oju and Obi LGAs and their Tiv neighbours in Gwer East and Konshisha. The unrest follows the murder of two Igede youths, Jonathan Ogah and Gabriel Ogodo, allegedly by Tiv youths in Ulam community.
The victims, said to be close friends, were reportedly ambushed on the Oju-Awajir road while travelling to Makurdi. Their deaths have sparked outrage and fear, leading to road closures and suspension of movement along the Oju-Aliade axis.
“No person or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. We will not tolerate any attempt to disrupt the relative peace Benue has been experiencing,” the governor said.
The state also witnessed a separate clash in Buruku LGA, involving youths from Nyifon and Mbayaka communities, following a dispute related to a boat mishap. This incident further complicates the already tense security situation across the state.
Senator Abba Moro, representing Benue South Senatorial District, described the killings as “barbaric and senseless,” urging the government to de-escalate the crisis.
Also, the Ito Youths Association (ITA), representing Igede youth interests, lamented the growing instability. “This violence threatens the fragile peace we have worked hard to sustain,” the association said in a statement signed by its President Andrew Abi and Secretary Ijoga Ipesi. Governor Alia has urged traditional rulers and community leaders to work closely with security operatives to prevent retaliation and promote dialogue.
“The safety of every Benue citizen is our top priority,” the governor assured, calling on all residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
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