A series of violent attacks by suspected herders in the Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State has left at least nine people dead, including a police officer.
The assaults, which began last weekend and continued until Tuesday, targeted four communities along the border with Kogi State.
According to a local source, the attacks unfolded in a succession of communities.
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Two people were killed in Okwutanobe on Friday, followed by another death in Okpokpolo on Saturday.
The violence escalated on Monday with a fatal attack in Olegagbani, and culminated on Tuesday in Ikpele, where a police officer and four other individuals lost their lives.
The source reported that residents are now fleeing their homes in fear.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the casualty figures, stating that four people were killed across the communities of Okwitanobe, Okpokpolo, and Olegugbani, while five, including the police officer, died in the final assault in Ikpele.
Ejeh condemned the attacks, suggesting they may have been a reprisal for a recent cattle rustling report in the area.
He urged the herders to allow the government to investigate the allegations instead of resorting to violence.
Ejeh praised the swift response of security operatives but highlighted the significant challenges posed by the region’s poor infrastructure.
He explained that the unmotorable roads in Agatu often delay security personnel from reaching distress call locations in time to prevent further loss of life.
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The state Police Command has yet to officially confirm the attacks.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet said he would provide an update once more information became available.
