Suspected armed herders have reportedly killed four people in a fresh attack on Aila Odugheho in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday morning when the victims were said to be walking along the Aila Odugheho road to a nearby village.
A resident, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity said the suspected herders ambushed the victims on their way to the community.
The resident said, “The victims were walking along Aila Odugheho road to a nearby community when the Fulani herders ambushed them and killed them.”
The deceased were identified as Ochefije Elijah Ojema, Igojuju Husaini, Odiya Ochowehi, and Ochoyoda Adejo.
The Chairman of Agatu Local Government Area, Melvin Ejeh, confirmed the attack to newsmen, stating that four people were killed.
Ejeh said that due to the presence of security operatives in the area, armed herders now find it difficult to invade some of the communities but have resorted to ambush tactics.
“It is true the incident happened today (Sunday morning). Four of our people were killed.
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“Because of the robust security strategies we have put in place in the communities, it is now difficult to attack and overrun any community in Agatu Local Government Area.
“Hence, they have resorted to ambush, which is more complex to confront. However, clearance operations are currently ongoing to rid the community forest of bandits,” he said.
Ejeh added that security agencies, including the Divisional Police Officer and local vigilantes, were already in the area carrying out clearance operations.
All efforts by First Daily correspondent on Sunday to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, proved abortive as her phone numbers were not connecting.
Killings by suspected armed herders and local militias have intensified in recent days in the local government area.
On Thursday, gunmen invaded Olegabulu community in the same Agatu LGA and killed a traditional ruler, his wife, son, and two others.