At least 15 traders were reportedly killed in a deadly
ambush by armed assailants on Saturday evening in Agatu Local Government Area
of Benue State.
The attack occurred along the route between Ogwumogbo
and Okpo’okpolo communities as the victims were returning from the popular
Oweto market.
Former Vice Chairman of Agatu LGA, John Ikwulono,
confirmed the incident to reporters, noting that many others sustained varying
degrees of injuries during the assault. He said five of the victims were killed
near a stream known as Abekoko, located between Ogbayi and Ogwumogbo. One of
the deceased was identified as a man named Ali, a resident of Ogwumogbo, while
the identities of the other victims have yet to be confirmed.
Chairman of Agatu LGA, Melvin James, was reportedly
attending the burial of the victims on Sunday when his phone was answered by an
aide. The aide, who declined to be named, confirmed the killings and alleged
that the attack was carried out by armed herders.
This latest incident adds to a growing list of deadly
attacks in Benue State’s troubled Agatu region, a hotspot of long-running
tensions and clashes between local farmers and suspected herders.
Residents are calling on security agencies to step up
surveillance and interventions in the area to prevent further loss of life.
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