Four Killed in Benue Community Attack by Armed Herders

On Sunday morning, a fresh attack in Benue State resulted in the deaths of four individuals, as confirmed by Melvin Ejeh, the chairman of Agatu Local Government. The victims were ambushed by suspected Fulani herders while walking along Aila Odugheho road.

The deceased were identified as Ochefij, Elijah, Ojema, Igojuju, Husaini, Odiya, Ochowehi, and Ochoyoda Adejo. Local sources reported that the attack occurred despite the presence of security operations in the area, which have made it difficult for armed herders to invade communities directly, leading them to resort to ambush tactics.

Ejeh noted that clearance operations are ongoing in the surrounding forests to rid the area of bandits. Efforts to contact the state police public relations officer, DSP Udem Edet, for further details were unsuccessful.

This incident follows a previous attack on the community of Olegabulu, where gunmen killed a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others.