In a new attack on communities in two local government areas of Benue State, at least five people were killed and a youth leader was reported missing.
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On Thursday, March 23, 2023, the incident occurred separately at Atakpa community in Agatu LGA and Iwili community in Otukpo LGA of the state, according to villagers.
Local farmers in Otukpo LGA’s Iwili community claimed that one person, Obi Tylor Ibinta, was killed during the invasion by armed invaders, while another four were killed in Agatu LGA’s Atakpa village.
Confirming the attack to the Daily Trust, Joseph Ngbede, chairman of Agatu local government council, said suspected hoodlums invaded Atakpa on Thursday around 5pm and shot randomly, killing four people, while the youth leader’s whereabouts are unknown.
“I can confirm that four people were killed, one (youth leader) was missing, and one was injured in the armed herders’ attack on Atakpa village,” Ngbede said.
“It was a random shooting at Atakpa at 5 p.m. on Thursday, and we had no idea what they were up to.” It was unexpected, because the last time we checked, Atakpa had no problems with them. Atakpa’s youth leader is missing. The police are still looking.
“Right now, there are threats to Ogbaulu, near Atakpa.” The village has never been attacked, but there is now a threat that they are on their way.”
Sunday Oteyi, a former Agatu council secretary who confirmed the incident, said four people were killed in Atakpa, a village near Oshigbugdu, and others were hospitalised.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Galma, State Secretary of Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), stated that they were unaware of what happened in Agatu and Otukpo because no herders lived in the troubled areas.
He stated that at the time of this report, the association was meeting in Makurdi to discuss the crisis in the affected communities.
SP Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the attack on Agatu but provided no further details.
“The attack on Agatu has been confirmed, but a detailed report has not yet been sent,” Anene also mentioned
