‘Five killed’ as suspected herders attack Benue community

The Benue police command says five people were killed in an attack by suspected herders in Egwuma community, Agatu LGA of the state.

NAN reports that Sewuese Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, confirmed the development in Markurdi, the state capital, on Monday.

Anene said the command has deployed its operatives to the location to put the situation under control.

Also confirming the incident, Godwin Edoh, a member representing Agatu constituency in the house of representatives, said 12 people were killed during the attack.

Edoh said many communities in the area have been deserted as a result of the incessant attacks and killings by suspected herders.

He called on the government and security agencies to take urgent action to curtail attacks against communities in the state.

“The government has to be decisive about what to do about this area because it is so porous,” he said.

“The Ogbumogbo, Ejima, and other villages down to Ikpele have been deserted for close to one year.

“The herders come over to the deserted villages with their cattle for grazing in the morning and leave in the evening.

“They can do these because the villagers have left their communities for fear of attacks, and the security agents are not doing enough to address this development.”

Benue is one of the north-central states in Nigeria, facing insecurity challenges. It has one of the highest numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria.

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