At least nine people, including a police officer, have been killed in renewed attacks by suspected armed herders on four communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The coordinated assaults, which began on Friday and lasted through Tuesday, struck the villages of Okwutanobe, Okpokpolo, Olegagbani, and Ikpele, according to local sources.
Residents say the attackers routinely cross into Benue from neighbouring Kogi State to carry out raids before retreating.
A resident, Odenyi, detailed the timeline: “They started Friday in Okwutanobe and killed two people.
On Saturday, they struck Okpokpolo and killed one.
Monday saw another attack in Olegagbani with one fatality, and Tuesday was the deadliest five killed in Ikpele, including a police officer.”
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government, James Melvin, confirmed the total of nine casualties.
He said the attacks appear to be retaliatory, linked to recent allegations of cattle rustling made by herders in the area.
“We strongly condemn these killings,” Melvin stated.
“Instead of resorting to violence, the herders should allow the authorities to investigate the rustling claims.”
Just two days before the fresh attacks, the Benue chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) claimed about 340 cows were stolen in Agatu in July.
The group accused local criminal elements of orchestrating the theft.
Melvin also highlighted that poor roads in Agatu delay security response.
“Sometimes, it takes over four hours for security forces to respond due to the terrible road conditions. By then, the attackers have fled.”
The state police command has yet to release an official statement.
Police spokesperson SP Catherine Udeme Edet said she had not received full details as of press time.
Benue State continues to suffer from recurring violence between herdsmen and farmers.
In June, over 200 people were massacred in Yelwata. April 2024 saw 25 deaths in coordinated raids on Ugbobi and Odugbeho. Similar attacks in March left dozens dead across Apa and Otukpo LGAs.
Despite ongoing military operations like Operation Whirl Stroke, local communities say the situation remains dire. Civil society groups and local leaders are calling for immediate action.
They demand faster security deployment, sustainable conflict resolution plans, and federal intervention to address the deadly clashes over grazing rights and land disputes.
As fears rise in Agatu and neighbouring areas, the people continue to cry out for safety and justice.