A devastating attack shook Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday as suspected armed herdsmen launched a violent assault on two farming communities, Egwuma and Ogbai.
The attack, which occurred around midday, claimed the lives of four farmers, including a woman and her young son, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Additionally, two residents remain missing, with search efforts ongoing to locate them.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying events, describing how the attackers stormed the farmlands in large numbers, firing indiscriminately at farmers going about their daily work.
“They came in large numbers and started shooting at innocent people in their farms,” said a resident identified as Oglewu.
Another local source revealed that families have fled to nearby villages in search of safety, leaving both communities tense and deserted.
“As I speak, two farmers are still missing, and youths are searching for their bodies for burial,” the source added.
The Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, condemned the attack, calling it “senseless and barbaric.”
He expressed disbelief at the unprovoked nature of the killings, saying: “How could people attack and kill a mother and her son who were working on their farm? This is an unprovoked attack on our people.”
James further explained that the incident occurred while security operatives were patrolling other parts of the council, highlighting the challenges posed by poor road infrastructure that often delays emergency responses.
Despite the efforts of security operatives to maintain peace in the area, James acknowledged that logistical challenges, such as bad roads, remain a significant obstacle.
“The security operatives in Agatu have been doing their best, but the problem in my council is the bad roads”, he noted.
The attack has reignited fears among residents of Agatu, a region that has faced repeated waves of violence linked to herdsmen-farmer clashes.
It underscores the urgent need for strengthened security measures and improved infrastructure to protect vulnerable communities in Benue State.