Gunmen fatally shoot two soldiers and additional individuals in Benue
Gunmen, in a Friday invasion of several communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, reportedly killed four individuals, including two soldiers. The targeted communities included Abugbe, Okokolo, Ugboju, Odugbeho, and Olegobidu. The assailants ambushed two soldiers on peacekeeping duty in the council area, shooting them dead during a patrol of the affected areas.
Local residents informed our correspondent that the assault had been ongoing for several days, escalating when the armed individuals advanced to Okokolo and launched an attack on the residents.
Godwin Edo, the legislator representing the Agatu state constituency in the state House of Assembly, confirmed the assaults on Agatu communities. Edo stated that two villagers lost their lives in the attack and attributed the violence to herdsmen. The incident occurred on Thursday.
"We experienced casualties with injuries and loss of lives. The situation unfolded due to ongoing threats of attacks on specific villages, namely Ocholonya and Ugboju K' Ugbe, over the past six days.
"As a result of these threats, the residents abandoned their homes and moved to Okokolo. Unfortunately, it was in Okokolo that herdsmen carried out an attack on them yesterday, on Thursday. These displaced villages currently include Ocholonya and Ugboju K' Ugbe.
"We have recorded the loss of approximately two lives so far, with many sustaining injuries. Medical treatment for the injured is ongoing, and we are closely monitoring their progress."
In a separate telephone conversation, Mike Inalegwu, the former Commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism, reported that two soldiers had been killed and one was missing.
According to Inalegwu, "Armed herdsmen, accompanied by their militia, attacked Okokolo, Ugboju, and Akpa, prompting residents to flee their villages. The soldiers, stationed at Akpu for the past eight years, were on patrol when ambushed by the armed herdsmen.
"As they responded to the gunshots, the herdsmen ambushed them. The commander was shot, two soldiers were killed, and one is currently missing."
Attempts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, proved unsuccessful as her phone went unanswered.
In the meantime, Joseph Har, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, acknowledged the attack but stated that he lacked specific details.
Har remarked, "Yes, there was an assault on Agatu communities yesterday (Thursday), but I'm currently without detailed information. Nevertheless, the deputy governor and security authorities in the state have proceeded to the location for an on-site assessment."
The preceding year had witnessed numerous attacks on various communities within the state.
In 2023, the State Commissioner for Information, Inelagwu, disclosed that over a span of seven years, more than 5,000 people had lost their lives in the state due to various incidents.
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