*17 houses burnt
By; ARCHIBONG ESUENE, Makurdi
Again within a short period, gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked two communities, Ikpele and Okokolo in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, killing two persons.
New Nigerian reports that the renewed attack took place around 10 pm on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 when the people have retired to bed.
New Nigerian has reported that barely a week ago, herdsmen unleashed terror on Okokolo community, also in Agatu LGA, killing five persons, including two soldiers, a personnel of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, (NSCDC) and two other persons.
One of the community members, Oche Hyacinth, said, “Another attack happened yesterday night. They attacked Ikpele, Okokolo other places throughout the night and we are yet to get the exact number of persons killed so far.
“There was serious battle till around 10pm in the night. Two bodies have so far been recovered. Many houses were burnt. In fact, within the attacked community yesterday in the night, at least 17 burnt houses were counted”.
According to him, people have deserted their homes and seeking for shelter in neighbouring towns and villages.
Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi on phone, former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism who is from Agatu, Mr Mike Inalegwu said the incident is true and appealed for reinforcement of security agencies in the area.
“The truth is that yesterday the armed herdsmen attacked Okokolo village and killed two persons while the villagers were thinking of their speculative attack on Ogbai community.
“The tension is high and the seven villages in Kogi border of the local government is deserted. This is authoritative,” Inalegwu informed.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO Benue State Command, SP Catherine Anene, said she does not have the information, but
the Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, confirmed the attacks, saying however said they were not told that people were killed.
