‘Five killed’ as army foils attack on Benue communities

The Nigerian army has reportedly foiled terror attacks on some communities in Agatu LGA of Benue state.

Eyewitnesses said while the soldiers were responding to the scenario, the invaders laid in ambush and opened fire on them, leaving one of them seriously injured.

The villagers said the injured soldier was immediately evacuated to Makurdi for treatment, while another officer who allegedly scampered for safety in the bush, was rescued at a neighbouring village.

Godwin Edoh, a lawmaker representing Agatu in the state house of assembly, confirmed the incident, adding that two people were killed during the attack and several others injured.

“There was an attack from herdsmen. This happened on Thursday. We lost some lives. Some were injured. What happened was that there was a threat of attacks on villages of Ocholonya and Ugboju k’ Ugbe for the past six days and those people deserted their place and relocated to Okokolo,” he said.

“So, it was Okokolo that the men came to attack yesterday. We have lost two lives so far while many others were injured. We are still monitoring their medication. 

“We have passed the information about the situation to security agencies and the local government chairman. I have spoken to the deputy governor of the state.”

Sunday Igbinowanhi, the commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, said three security personnel lost their lives during the gun duel.

He said the deceased included two soldiers and one officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He added that the attack was successfully repelled, with the terrorists withdrawing in disarray, while evacuating their dead and wounded.

“The success achieved was however at a huge cost with three of the troops paying the supreme sacrifice to prevent the killing of the inhabitants of Okokolo and the intended sacking of the community,” he said.

“In addition to the death of the two soldiers and one NSCDC personnel, two other soldiers were wounded and immediately evacuated to the Nigerian Air Force hospital in Makurdi.”